On a quiet Saturday morning, the tranquility of Henderson Beach in New Richmond, Quebec, was shattered by a tragic rockslide that claimed the life of a local man in his 80s. The incident, which unfolded on August 16, 2025, has left the small coastal community on the southern edge of the Gaspé Peninsula shaken and searching for answers.
According to reports from Global News and CBC, emergency services were called to the scene at around 9:45 a.m. after the man was discovered lying beside loose rocks on the beach. The Sûreté du Québec, Quebec's provincial police force, responded swiftly, finding the man with life-threatening injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, his injuries proved fatal and his death was confirmed later that afternoon.
The identity of the victim has not been disclosed by authorities, out of respect for his family's privacy. The sudden loss has resonated deeply in New Richmond, a town known for its close-knit community and picturesque landscapes. In a statement posted to Facebook, the Town of New Richmond expressed its condolences, writing that its "thoughts are with the victim’s family." The message was a somber reminder of the fragility of life, especially in places where nature’s beauty sometimes hides unforeseen dangers.
As word of the accident spread, local officials moved quickly to close Henderson Beach to the public. The municipality’s announcement was clear and urgent: "We ask the public to rigorously follow the instructions and avoid all access to Henderson Beach," the town posted online, echoing the seriousness of the situation. The closure is to remain in effect until further notice, while civil security officials and ground movement experts assess the stability of the area. Their task is to determine whether the rockslide was an isolated event or a sign of broader geological instability along this stretch of Quebec’s coastline.
The Sûreté du Québec, working alongside a Quebec coroner, has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. Police spokesperson Frédéric Deshaies told CBC that officers are "assisting a Quebec coroner to determine the causes and circumstances of the man’s death." The involvement of ground movement experts highlights the complexity of the investigation, as officials must consider both the immediate triggers of the landslide and any underlying environmental factors that could pose future risks.
For residents and regular visitors, the closure of Henderson Beach is more than an inconvenience—it’s a stark reminder that even familiar places can harbor hidden hazards. The beach, situated over 100 kilometers from the city of Gaspé, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, drawn by its rugged charm and sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The sudden rockslide has prompted many to reconsider the safety of the area, especially as climate change and shifting weather patterns have made natural disasters more unpredictable in recent years.
Public safety officials are now working to assess the landscape and ensure that no further dangers remain. According to Global News, "public safety officials are assessing the landscape at the beach to understand the situation and members of the public were urged to stay away." The focus is not only on immediate safety but also on understanding the root causes of the rockslide. Was it the result of recent heavy rains? Could erosion or freeze-thaw cycles have loosened the rocks above the beach? These are the kinds of questions investigators and experts are now grappling with.
While landslides are not uncommon in certain parts of Quebec, fatal incidents like this remain rare. The Gaspé Peninsula, with its dramatic cliffs and rocky shorelines, has a long history of geological activity. Over the years, authorities have implemented various safety measures, such as warning signs and regular inspections, to minimize risks for beachgoers. However, as this tragedy illustrates, nature can sometimes defy even the best-laid precautions.
The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about public safety and emergency preparedness in rural communities. In the immediate aftermath, local officials have emphasized the importance of following safety directives and avoiding closed areas until they are deemed safe. The municipality’s call for vigilance is echoed by the Sûreté du Québec, which continues to monitor the situation and provide updates as the investigation progresses.
For the family of the victim, the days following the accident have been marked by grief and unanswered questions. The community has rallied around them, offering support and condolences as they navigate this difficult time. The tragedy has also prompted an outpouring of sympathy from across the region, with many expressing shock that such a devastating event could occur on a seemingly ordinary summer morning.
As the investigation continues, officials are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They are also reminding the public to respect the closure of Henderson Beach and to exercise caution in other areas where natural hazards may be present. The hope is that, by understanding exactly what happened, similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
In the meantime, the picturesque stretch of Henderson Beach sits quiet, cordoned off from the laughter and footsteps of visitors. The closure, while temporary, serves as a poignant reminder of both the power and unpredictability of the natural world. For the residents of New Richmond and the wider Gaspé region, the loss of one of their own will not soon be forgotten, nor will the lessons learned from this tragic event.
As investigations unfold and experts continue their assessments, the community waits for answers—and for the day when Henderson Beach can safely welcome visitors once again.