Quebec Couple Found Dead While Vacationing in Dominican Republic

Quebec Couple Found Dead While Vacationing in Dominican Republic
An aerial view of Dominicus beach in the Dominican Republic, in a file photo. Shutterstock/Roberto Binetti
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A Quebec couple in their 50s was found dead in their sleep while on vacation in the Dominican Republic, according to two family members.

Gilles Sauve Jr. posted on Facebook on the evening of Dec. 27 saying his sister, Christine Sauvé, and her husband, Alain Noël, died in their sleep during the night of Dec. 25.

“Out of respect for our family and in order to grieve in privacy, we ask for your time and understanding,” Sauve Jr. wrote.

He said his family will “not be answering questions at this time” and will be waiting to “receive more answers” before sharing additional information.

Sabrina Noël, the couple’s daughter, also posted on Facebook around the same time on Dec. 27 announcing the death of her parents.

“Out of respect for our family and in order to experience this grief privately, we ask for time and understanding. We will not be answering questions at this time,” she wrote.

“We are waiting for more answers to our questions before telling you more. Thank you for respecting our silence and keeping us in your thoughts.”

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) told The Epoch Times that it is “aware of two Canadian citizens who died in the Dominican Republic.”

“GAC expresses its condolences to the family and loved ones,” a spokesperson from GAC told The Epoch Times in a Dec. 30 email.

“Canadian officials are providing consular assistance and are in contact with local authorities to gather more information. Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed.”

A local Dominican Republic news outlet, Diario Libre, reported on Dec. 26 that Alain, 56, and Sauvé, 55, were found dead on the afternoon of Dec. 26 at a residence in the Villa Riva municipality of the Duarte province.

The couple’s son reportedly discovered his parents as he arrived at the house, realized both were without vital signs, and proceeded to alert the 9-1-1 emergency system, according to preliminary information reported by Diario Libre.

The couple’s bodies were transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences in Santo Domingo, where the bodies are expected to undergo autopsies to determine the causes of death, according to Diario Libre. Local authorities are investigating the case, the report says.