38-Year-Old Mom and 8-Year-Old Son Mysteriously Die After Luxury Resort Banquet

Lifestyle
Paul Johns
February 10, 2025
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9 minutes read

( Image: Queen’s University)

A grieving father is taking legal action against a Dominican Republic resort after his wife and young son tragically died following a meal at its buffet restaurant. Stephen Gougeon, 38, is seeking $7 million in damages from Wyndham Hotels and Air Transat, holding them accountable for the deaths of his wife, April Gougeon, 41, and their 8-year-old son, Oliver.

The lawsuit, filed on January 27, comes as Stephen continues to grapple with the unimaginable loss. In a heartfelt statement, Stephen said, “Flying back home without April and Oliver sitting beside me as they had done just days earlier is indescribable… We planned this trip so our family could get some rest and relaxation. The thought that something like this could happen was the furthest thing from our minds.”

April and Stephen Gougeon with sons Oliver and Wesley. Courtesy of Gougeon family

The Canadian family of four had traveled to the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham Resort in December 2023, hoping for a peaceful getaway. However, their vacation turned into a nightmare after dining at the resort’s buffet. Shortly after the meal, the family fell severely ill. Despite seeking help at the resort’s clinic, the situation worsened.

A coroner’s report later confirmed that April and Oliver died from secondary causes linked to food poisoning. April, a lawyer, was remembered in her obituary as a devoted mother who was “the first one to assist when others were in time of need.” Oliver, described as having an “easy-going personality,” was known for his artistic talents and love for drawing.

Oliver Gougeon was only eight when he died ( Image: Queen’s University)

In the lawsuit, Stephen alleges unsanitary conditions in the resort’s food preparation areas, delays in medical treatment, and a lack of emergency training among staff. He claims that employees initially dismissed their pleas for help, leading to critical delays. “When they finally responded after our further plea, there appeared to be confusion about how to handle the situation.

These delays cost precious time that could have been used to treat our illness. And in the end, it cost my wife and my son their lives,” Stephen lamented. Air Transat, while expressing condolences, denied the allegations. In a statement, the company said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of April and Oliver Gougeon… We refute the allegations made against us.

However, considering legal proceedings appear to have been instituted, we are unable to provide additional details or further comments.” Meghan Hull Jacquin, the Gougeon family’s attorney, emphasized that the lawsuit aims to hold the responsible parties accountable and prevent similar tragedies.

“The Gougeons are taking action against the companies whose negligence allowed this to happen, not only to get answers and realize a sense of justice for themselves but to shine a light on these events, effect change in the failed processes and procedures, and ideally protect other vacationers from having to experience anything similar,” she said.

April Gougeon was a lawyer ( Image: Queen’s University)

Stephen, still reeling from the loss, shared with The New York Times, “I don’t think I’ll ever recover. I’ve lost my wife, who I loved so much, and my son, who was just such a beautiful person and who I was so looking forward to seeing grow up.” The case continues as the family seeks justice for their devastating loss.