Family File FeuSpit after Mother Toronto, son dies on vacation in the Dominican Republic

Toronto – the family of mother and son Toronto, who died after food poisoning during their stay at the Dominican Republic Center, is now suing a hotel and a tourist company, claiming that they neglected their health and safety protocols and did not provide timely medical assistance.

April and Stephen Gougeon and their two young sons, Oliver and Wesley, went in December 2023 to the Viva Dominicus beach through the Wyddham Resort for holidays in full, says a statement about a claim made this week at Ontario Superior Court.

Just a few hours after they checked in and ate dinner in the form of a buffet, all four became seriously ill, but the initial request of the family for medical assistance in their room was rejected, says a court document.

The family was finally taken to a local hospital, where 41-year-old April Gougeon and eight-year-old Oliver died. The coroner’s report in the Dominican Republic stated that they died because of “secondary reasons related to food poisoning,” in accordance with the statement of the claim.

Stephen Gougeon and their second son Wesley were treated in the hospital two days before returning to Canada.

“Stephen and April planned this journey. They went through reputable companies and they never thought that they would start their holidays, “said Meghan Hull Jacquin, a lawyer representing his family in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

“This family failed on so many fronts.”

There are several allegations in the family lawsuit against the center, Wyddham Hotel Canada II Inc., Air Transat Holidays and the Clinic providing medical services in the center.

Among them are the claims that the accused neglected to deal and prepare food, including serving contaminated food and not observing hygiene protocols. He also claims that employees have not been properly trained in the field of food safety practices.

A statement of a claim is also claimed that the accused “did not provide a timely response to the family call for help” and “rejected or released initial complaints or signs of anxiety” from nurseries.

The allegations were not tested in court.

Air Transat spokesman said that the company is “deeply saddened” by the death of April and Oliver. The company denied claims in the lawsuit, adding that it chooses its suppliers “with great care”, and the hotel operator provided the air transat “full cooperation” with the authorities.

“In such cases, we act with care, prudence and compassion, trying to help our clients,” said Marie-Hristine Pupiliot in an e-mail.

“We reject the accusations against us.”

Wyddham Hotels and Resorts recognized the Canadian Press request on Tuesday, but they did not immediately provide a comment.

Stephen Gougeon said on Monday in news that his family would “give everything” to get his wife and son.

“Flying back home without April and Oliver sitting next to it, as they did only a few days earlier, it is indescribable,” he said in a statement. “The thought that something like this could happen was the farthest thing from our minds.”

Family lawyer said they decided to comment on death in the hope that they would prevent another family from the same pain.

“It is about informing the society so that they are not naive in plans to go beyond Canada during these journeys – it is brightening the light on the deficiencies and services that were provided to them,” said Hull Jacquin.

“Stephen wants people to be aware that they have happened to them, and it can happen with another happy, healthy family, unless something is done to change these standards.”

This report the Canadian Press was first published on January 29, 2025.

Rianna Lim, Canadian press