A Canadian man is suing the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham Resort and its travel agency partners for $10 million after the tragic deaths of his wife and eight-year-old son due to food poisoning during their holiday. According to reports from The New York Post, Stephen Gougeon filed the lawsuit this week in the Ontario Superior Court, alleging negligence on the part of the hotel and travel company.
The incident took place shortly after Christmas 2023, when Stephen, his wife April, and their two sons, Oliver and Wesley, checked in at the resort located in the Dominican Republic. Just hours after arriving, the family indulged in the hotel’s buffet dinner. Unfortunately, by the following morning, they were all struck with severe illness. “We were all throwing up,” recalled Gougeon. The family requested medical assistance, but their initial plea for help was turned down.
After suffering for hours, the Gougeons’ condition prompted renewed calls for medical help, which finally arrived when worsening symptoms were undeniable. They were transferred to the resort’s medical clinic before being taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital. Tragically, both April, aged 41, and Oliver, aged 8, experienced respiratory failure and later died on December 29, 2023, as confirmed by the coroner's report.
Despite these dreadful circumstances, Stephen said he still had to break the awful news to his surviving son, Wesley, then just seven years old. “Flying back home without April and Oliver sitting beside us is indescribable,” Stephen expressed, mourning the loss of his loved ones. His lawsuit accuses Wyndham Hotels and its partners, including Air Transat, of failing to follow proper medical and hygiene protocols, which they claim led to the death of his family members.
The statement of claim outlines several allegations against the resort, including negligence concerning food safety practices, lack of sanitation, and untrained staff. According to the lawsuit, the resort failed to respond adequately to the family's medical needs, dismissing their initial cries for help.
Meghan Hull Jacquin, the family’s attorney, expressed the need to raise awareness surrounding such tragic events and hopes to implement changes so future travelers are protected. “This family was failed on so many fronts,” she remarked, underscoring the urgent need for accountability.
Air Transat has publicly responded to the lawsuit, voicing sorrow over the tragedy but denying any wrongdoing. “We choose our suppliers with great care, and the hotel operator has assured us of its full cooperation with the authorities,” stated Marie-Christine Pouliot, the company’s spokesperson. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts have also acknowledged the situation but have yet to provide detailed comments about the lawsuit.
The Gougeon family's heartbreaking experience serves not only as poignant evidence of the potential hazards associated with international travel but also raises broader questions about the vacation industry’s commitment to traveler safety. Echoing his sorrow, Gougeon stated he wishes to prevent others from facing similar grief. “I think people need to be aware of what can happen,” he said.
While many travelers regard all-inclusive resorts as safe havens, the Gougeon case reveals the glaring gaps in health protocols and emergency responses. The family's decision to speak out aims to bring light to such deficiencies, advocating for necessary changes to prevent future tragedies.
Following this tragic event, experts recommend future travelers stay informed about health standards and emergency medical procedures at international resorts. Tourists should always be cautious, particularly when it involves food safety. Only by acknowledging the risks can we promote safer travel experiences for families everywhere.