Quebec Firefighter Flood Deaths in May 2023 Undergo Coroner’s Inquest

A coroner’s inquest is currently underway to investigate the deaths of two volunteer Quebec firefighters who lost their lives during a flood rescue mission last May in the Charlevoix region.

Coroner Andrée Kronström is listening to testimony from witnesses at the courthouse in La Malbaie, Que., as part of the inquiry that is scheduled to run over several days in April and May.

Ms. Kronström emphasizes that the aim of the investigation is not to assign blame but to gain a better understanding of the events leading to the fatalities of Christopher Lavoie, 23, and Régis Lavoie, 55, on May 1, 2023.

The two men were attempting a rescue in St-Urbain, Que., located northeast of Quebec City, when their amphibious vehicle started drifting in the turbulent waters, causing them to fall into the overflowing Gouffre River.

Their bodies were recovered two days later, and it was noted that neither individual was wearing a life vest over their firefighting gear.

A report on workplace health and safety concluded that the firefighters were not adequately trained or equipped to perform a water rescue.

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