> At a Glance
> – Alain Noël, 56, and Christine Sauvé, 55, discovered by their son Dec. 26 in Villa Riva vacation home
> – Both had felt unwell; Christine visited hospital for dizziness on Christmas Day
> – Autopsies done; initial results expected this week, final report may take 4 months
> – Why it matters: Family awaits answers amid local speculation, highlighting risks for travelers abroad
A Quebec couple’s month-long Caribbean vacation ended in tragedy when their son found them unresponsive in bed after they’d complained of fatigue and stomach issues.
Final Days
The family arrived in the Dominican Republic on Dec. 14 to ready their retirement home in El Indio Village. On Christmas Day, Christine went to hospital after a dizzy spell; blood work was drawn but no medication prescribed. She was asked to return next day for scans.
Alain, busy tending his new garden lights, also felt dizzy but stayed focused on his wife’s care.
Last Call
That evening the couple FaceTimed relatives in Canada.
- They looked “exhausted” yet spoke normally
- Mentioned mild stomach discomfort but blamed no food
- Wondered if Christine’s dizziness tied to diabetes or blood pressure
Gilles Sauvé Jr. recalls:
> “It was not clear. There was nothing really clear about it.”
Discovery
When Jonathan, 30, woke around 9:30 a.m., his parents’ bedroom door was still shut-unusual for early-riser Alain. An hour later he entered and found both lifeless. He phoned sister Sabrina, 28, who told him to alert the complex manager; local authorities soon arrived.
Investigation Status
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| Dec. 26 | Bodies found, scene searched |
| Dec. 27 | Gilles & Sabrina land in D.R. |
| Dec. 30 | Canadian officials provide funeral-home contact |
| This week | Initial autopsy results expected |
| ~April | Full forensic report due |
Global Affairs Canada confirmed the deaths and says it is “gathering more information.” Dominican agencies have not released details, fueling media theories the family calls unfounded.
Remembering Them
Married 30-plus years, Alain was “a big teddy bear,” Christine the family caregiver who recently helped raise her niece after her brother’s wife died.
Gilles vows:
> “I have two kids, but now I have four kids because I will take care of theirs.”
Key Takeaways
- Both spouses had chronic illnesses and sudden on-set dizziness
- No prescriptions or diagnosis given before their deaths
- Language barriers hampered family’s talks with Dominican officials
- Final autopsy findings could take up to four months
As they wait for answers, loved ones cling to memories of the couple’s kindness and the retirement dream that drew them to the island.
