A Canadian couple's festive holiday in the Caribbean ended in tragedy when they were found dead inside their rented villa on Christmas night, a devastated family member has confirmed.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
The bodies of Alain Noël, 56, and Christine Sauvé, 55, were discovered in their vacation home in Villa Riva, Dominican Republic, on the night of December 25. The couple had travelled from their home in Gatineau, Quebec, to the popular Caribbean destination for the holidays.
Christine's brother, Gilles Sauvé Jr., shared the tragic news in a heartfelt Facebook post. "It is with great sadness that I announce the deaths of my sister Christine Sauvé and my brother-in-law Alain Noël, occurred in their sleep, on the night of December 25th to 26th," he wrote, accompanying the message with a loving selfie of the pair.
Family Seeks Answers and Privacy
While the official cause of death remains unknown pending autopsy results, Gilles told CTV News he believes "there was absolutely no suicide or murder." He described his sister and brother-in-law as part of a "very respected family, very close-knit, a really good family" who were loved by everyone and had plans to retire in the Dominican Republic.
The family now faces an agonising wait of 10 to 30 days to receive the autopsy results and for the bodies to be repatriated to Quebec. In his post, Gilles asked for privacy, stating: "Out of respect for our family and in order to experience this grief privately, we ask for your time and understanding."
Official Response and Travel Context
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed it is aware of the deaths and that Canadian officials are providing consular assistance and liaising with local authorities. The couple's daughter, Sabrina Noël, also confirmed the devastating news on social media.
The incident occurred in Villa Riva, a small town in the Dominican Republic. Notably, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and other international advisories typically list the Dominican Republic at a Level 2 travel caution, advising visitors to exercise increased caution due to crime.
Just days before their deaths, Alain Noël had posted photos on Facebook from their holiday, including the exterior of a rental property tagged to Tropical Paradise Liberté Résidentiel, a vacation home rental company, as well as snaps of meals and loving selfies. The investigation into this mysterious holiday tragedy continues as a family mourns and a community seeks answers.
