Stephen Gougeon and his family embarked on a much-anticipated vacation at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham Resort in the Dominican Republic just after Christmas in 2023. What began as a joyful holiday quickly turned into a nightmare. On their first evening, Stephen, his wife April, and their sons Oliver and Wesley dined at the resort's buffet. By the next morning, the entire family fell violently ill, experiencing severe nausea and vomiting.
Tragically, a coroner's report from the Dominican Republic later confirmed that April and Oliver succumbed to secondary causes related to food poisoning. Despite Stephen and Wesley's survival, the ordeal left the family devastated. Stephen recounted the heartbreaking experience, stating:
“It’s the worst thing — the worst thing a father and a husband will ever have to do,” – Stephen Gougeon
The Gougeons sought assistance from the resort but were advised to visit the on-site medical clinic themselves. In their weakened state, they were barely able to reach the bathroom, let alone seek help. At the hospital, April and Oliver struggled to breathe, conditions that ultimately led to their deaths.
Oliver, who had a passion for art and drawing, and April, a talented lawyer and devoted mother and wife, left behind a grieving family. Stephen expressed his profound sorrow:
“Living life without them is extremely hard.” – Stephen Gougeon
In response to this tragedy, Stephen Gougeon has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Air Transat Holidays, Transat Tours Canada, Wyndham Hotels, and the clinic where they initially sought treatment. The family's lawyer, Meghan Hull Jacquin, aims to hold those responsible accountable:
“I think what the Gougeon family would like is accountability,” – Meghan Hull Jacquin
Stephen has chosen to speak publicly for the first time since the incident to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies from occurring. His message is clear:
“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” – Stephen Gougeon
He emphasizes the importance of awareness:
“I think people need to be aware of what can happen.” – Stephen Gougeon
The family had booked their all-inclusive vacation through Transat, expecting a safe and enjoyable experience. This expectation was shattered when their health rapidly deteriorated:
“It progressed to a point where we had to try and seek medical attention.” – Stephen Gougeon
Meghan Hull Jacquin notes that the family is striving to find some positive outcome from their unbearable loss:
“They’re trying to make something good out of this horrific tragedy that they’ve been through and continue to live with every day.” – Meghan Hull Jacquin
