A tragic incident has claimed the lives of a Quebec couple while they were vacationing in the Dominican Republic, according to family members. Gilles Sauvé Jr. poignantly announced on Facebook that his sister, Christine Sauvé, 55, and her husband, Alain Noël, 56, “died in their sleep during the night of December 25th to 26th.”
In an emotional appeal for privacy during this difficult time, Gilles underscored their need to grieve without the pressure of questions, stating, “We ask for your time and understanding. We will not be answering questions at this time. We are waiting to receive more answers before sharing further information.” Their daughter, Sabrina Noël, echoed these sentiments in her own post, emphasizing the family’s desire for space as they process their loss.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has confirmed the deaths, extending condolences to the grieving family. A representative stated that they were aware of two Canadian citizens who had died in the country, and assured that consular assistance was being provided while liaising with local authorities for more details. Due to privacy regulations, additional information was not disclosed.
Local media, El Nacional, reported that the couple was found deceased in their vacation residence in Villa Riva, within the El Indio Village residential complex. Their son discovered their bodies and promptly contacted local authorities when he realized they were unresponsive. Following this, their remains were transported to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences in Santo Domingo to perform autopsies and determine the cause of death.
Authorities from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the National Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event. The family’s request for understanding and privacy is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced when dealing with sudden loss, and the community’s thoughts are with them during this painful time.