A couple from Gatineau, Que., was found dead while vacationing in the Dominican Republic, family members and officials confirmed Monday. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Alain Noël, 56, and Christine Sauvé, 55, were discovered in a home in Villa Riva, according to Sauvé’s brother, Gilles Sauvé Jr. He told CTV News the couple died during the night of Dec. 25 and said the family is awaiting further information from authorities.
“The cause of death is unknown, but there was absolutely no suicide or murder,” Sauvé Jr. said.
He described the couple as close-knit and well loved, noting they had been planning to retire in the Dominican Republic after purchasing a new home there.
The family expects it could take between 10 and 30 days to receive autopsy results and arrange for the couple’s repatriation to Quebec, Sauvé Jr. added.
In a statement, Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is “aware of two Canadian citizens who died in the Dominican Republic,” adding that Canadian officials are providing consular assistance and working with local authorities to gather more information.
Local newspaper Diario Libre reported on Dec. 26 that the bodies were to be transferred to the Dominican Republic’s National Institute of Forensic Sciences in Santo Domingo. Authorities there are continuing their investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under review.