A Canadian man, devastated by the deaths of his wife and young son, is now taking legal action against the companies he believed would provide a safe and enjoyable vacation for his family. Stephen Gougeon, along with his surviving son, is filing a $10 million lawsuit after his wife, April, and their eight-year-old son, Oliver, died from what was later determined to be food poisoning at a resort in the Dominican Republic. This tragedy occurred during their family vacation at Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham Resort, just days after Christmas in 2023.
For the first time since the tragic event, Stephen Gougeon is speaking out publicly, not only to share his heartbreaking story but to ensure that no other family has to suffer a similar fate.
“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” Gougeon told CTV News. “I think people need to be aware of what can happen.”
The Canadian Family’s Fateful Vacation
Gougeon, his wife April, and their two sons, Oliver and Wesley, arrived at the resort just after Christmas. What was supposed to be a joyful getaway quickly turned into a nightmare. On their first evening at the resort, the family dined at the buffet. By 6 a.m. the following morning, everyone in the family had become violently ill, suffering from nausea, vomiting, and other severe symptoms.
“We were all throwing up,” Gougeon recalled. “It progressed to a point where we had to try and seek medical attention.”
The family immediately sought help from the resort staff, but their request was met with indifference. Despite their dire condition, the family was told to make their way to the on-site medical clinic themselves. Gougeon, who described being unable to move even to get to the bathroom, pleaded for assistance. Unfortunately, his concerns were initially dismissed.
It wasn’t until later in the afternoon that a response came. After another urgent call, the family was finally helped and transported to the clinic via wheelchair. From there, they were rushed to a local hospital by ambulance.
At the hospital, things quickly worsened. Both April and Oliver continued to struggle with breathing. Tragically, within hours of arriving at the hospital, both mother and son passed away.
“It’s the worst thing — the worst thing a father and a husband will ever have to do,” Gougeon said, describing how he had to inform his younger son, Wesley, about the deaths the following morning.
Investigating the Cause of Death
A coroner’s report from the Dominican Republic revealed that April and Oliver had died due to secondary complications caused by food poisoning. The devastating conclusion has left Gougeon grappling with a loss he never expected to endure during what should have been a peaceful family vacation.
“Coming home was very hard,” Gougeon shared. “Living life without them is extremely hard.”
With his grief still fresh, Gougeon is now seeking justice. The civil lawsuit filed by his family accuses the resort of failing to adhere to hygiene standards, lacking proper emergency procedures, and failing to respond in a timely manner to the family’s repeated calls for help.
“I think what the Gougeon family would like is accountability,” said their attorney, Meghan Hull Jacquin. “They’re trying to make something good out of this horrific tragedy that they’ve been through and continue to live with every day.”
Legal Action and Allegations
The lawsuit, which seeks $10 million in damages, targets several parties. Named in the lawsuit are Air Transat Holidays, Transat Tours Canada, Wyndham Hotels, and the clinic where the family first received treatment. Gougeon had booked their all-inclusive vacation through Transat, trusting that the companies involved would maintain high health and safety standards.
A spokesperson for Transat, Marie-Christine Pouliot, expressed sorrow over the deaths but denied the allegations, emphasizing that they have yet to be proven in court. “We choose our suppliers with great care, and the hotel operator has assured us of its full cooperation with the authorities in shedding light on these tragic deaths,” Pouliot said in an email statement.
Despite the company’s denial, Gougeon’s grief is rooted in the belief that better health protocols could have prevented his family’s suffering.
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A Legacy of Love
Beyond the legal battle, Gougeon speaks with love and remembrance of his wife and son. April, 41, was a talented lawyer who was beloved by her colleagues and friends. But, to Gougeon, she was first and foremost an amazing wife and mother. Oliver, his artistic and creative son, had a passion for drawing and was known for his infectious joy.
“Oliver loved art and drawing. And you know, I miss him terribly,” Gougeon said, his voice breaking as he recalled his son’s vibrant spirit.
In speaking out, Gougeon hopes that the tragedy he has lived through will lead to meaningful change. His ultimate goal is to ensure that future vacationers will not have to endure the same pain he and his family have experienced.
“I think that resorts need to have better medical practices and policies so that if someone is in my situation, they’re not having to deal with what I have to deal with — for the rest of my life,” Gougeon concluded.
As this legal battle continues, the Gougeon family’s tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the importance of vigilance, proper medical response, and hygiene standards in the travel and hospitality industries. For now, Stephen Gougeon’s focus remains on raising awareness and demanding justice for the loss of his beloved wife and son.