A Canadian couple from Gatineau, Quebec, was found dead in their vacation home in Villa Riva, Dominican Republic, on the night of December 25, according to family members seeking answers about the mysterious deaths.
Alain Noël, 56, and Christine Sauvé, 55, died in their sleep at their rented property in the El Indio Village residential complex. Their son discovered their bodies on the morning of December 26 after finding them without vital signs.
Gilles Sauvé Jr., Christine’s brother, confirmed the deaths and said the family has ruled out foul play. “There was absolutely no suicide or murder,” he said.
The cause of death remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation. The couple’s bodies were sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences in Santo Domingo for examination. Family members must wait 10 to 30 days to receive autopsy results.
The case is being investigated by the Dominican Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Dominican National Police.
Christine had felt lightheaded and fell the day before her death. She went to the hospital for blood tests, but the couple did not survive the night.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family. Canadian officials are communicating with local authorities to obtain more information about the deaths. Due to privacy considerations, the agency declined to provide additional details.
The couple had purchased a house in the Dominican Republic four years ago and visited three times a year. They were planning to retire in the Caribbean nation.
“They were a very respected family, very close-knit, a really good family,” Gilles Sauvé Jr. said. “They were loved by everyone and were planning to retire in the Dominican Republic with their new house.”
The couple had two children together. Their daughter, Sabrina Noël, requested privacy for the family as they grieve and await answers from authorities.
The family operated a general contracting company in construction. They were deeply involved in the Gatineau community and known for their charitable work.
The couple supported the local junior hockey team, the Gatineau Olympiques, and raised money for CHEO, a children’s hospital in Ottawa.
The Gatineau Olympiques released a statement expressing profound sadness at the news. The organization noted that the Sauvé family had maintained close and meaningful ties with the team for many years. The family made significant contributions to the history and development of the organization through their commitment, passion and dedication to the Olympiques and the community.
The CHEO foundation praised the couple’s generosity, noting that their annual haunted house brought joy to many and vital support to the hospital. The foundation said their hearts go out to the family and friends during this difficult time as they remember the couple’s legacy of kindness.
Gilles Sauvé Jr. described the family as being in shock over the sudden loss. He said the couple and their two children were a tight-knit family with many friends, describing them as easygoing people.
Gilles Sauvé Jr. said things are moving slowly with both Canadian and local authorities as the family seeks answers about the deaths.
Villa Riva is a small town in the Dominican Republic where the couple had established their vacation property. The location in the El Indio Village residential complex had been their retreat destination during their regular visits to the Caribbean nation.
The deaths occurred during the night of December 25 to 26, cutting short what was meant to be a holiday celebration with family. The couple had been looking forward to eventually making their Dominican Republic house their permanent retirement home.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine what caused the sudden deaths of both individuals during the same night. The family awaits the results of forensic examinations that will provide more information about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.