Canadian Man Files Lawsuit Following Deaths of Wife and Son from Food Poisoning During Dominican Republic Vacation

A Canadian man has filed a lawsuit against the companies involved in a trip to the Dominican Republic where his wife and son died from food poisoning at a resort.

The lawsuit claims that the resort companies did not have proper health and safety protocols in place and failed to provide prompt medical assistance to the family.

Stephen Gougeon, his wife April, and their two sons stayed at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in December 2023, according to a Jan. 27 release.

After eating at the resort buffet on the first night, the entire family fell ill.

Gougeon stated that they requested medical assistance the next morning but did not receive any. After a second attempt, they were eventually taken to the resort clinic for treatment and then transferred to a local hospital by ambulance.

Tragically, Oliver, their 8-year-old son, passed away shortly after admission to the hospital, followed by April, who was 41. Gougeon and his other son, Wesley, were hospitalized for two days before being discharged.

Gougeon expressed that every day since then has been a challenge.

A coroner’s report from the Dominican Republic attributed the deaths of April and Oliver to secondary causes related to food poisoning.

The family’s trip was meant to be a relaxing holiday, and Gougeon mentioned that the events that unfolded were unexpected.

Lawsuit

Gougeon disclosed that his wife had booked an all-inclusive vacation package with Air Transat Holidays and Wyndham Hotel Canada. The lawsuit, filed in Toronto Superior Court, implicates Wyndham Hotel Canada, Air Transat Holidays, Transat Tours Canada Inc., Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham, and Clinica Canela, the resort’s medical clinic.

The lawsuit alleges unsanitary conditions in food preparation areas, delayed medical evaluation and treatment, and inadequately trained staff to handle emergencies.

Gougeon stated, “We sought help, but it was not taken seriously, and there was a lack of follow-up in providing medical assistance. When they finally responded to our pleas, there was confusion in handling the situation.”

These allegations have not been proven in court.

While denying the allegations, Air Transat expressed deep sadness for the deaths in a statement, mentioning their support for the Gougeon family during the ordeal.

Air Transat emphasized their careful selection of suppliers and stated that the resort is cooperating with authorities.

Legal representation for the Gougeon family is being provided by lawyer Meghan Hull Jacquin from the Toronto firm Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP. She stated that the family seeks answers and justice through legal action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring to others.

Gougeon acknowledged that the lawsuit cannot bring back his wife and son but hopes it can prevent such incidents from happening to other families.