A tragic incident involving a mother and son who allegedly died from food poisoning at an all-inclusive resort has led to a $10 million lawsuit filed by their family. April and Oliver Gougeon passed away in December 2023 after consuming food from a buffet at Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham Resort in the Dominican Republic, as outlined in court documents obtained by PEOPLE. The lawsuit reveals that both individuals experienced breathing difficulties and eventually succumbed to secondary causes related to food poisoning after being taken to a local hospital.
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The devastating turn of events prompted the Gougeon family to take legal action against Wyndham Hotels, Air Transat Holidays A.T. Inc., Transat Tours Canada Inc., the resort’s on-site medical clinic, and other parties, citing gross negligence in food safety and emergency response. The family’s lawyer, Meghan M. Hull Jacquin, emphasised the need to speak out to prevent similar tragedies and seek justice for April and Oliver. The ordeal reportedly began after the Gougeon family ate at the resort’s buffet and subsequently fell ill, with symptoms including nausea and vomiting surfacing the following day.
Despite seeking medical assistance from the resort’s clinic, the Gougeons were allegedly met with delays and were eventually transported to the clinic in wheelchairs. Following intravenous treatment and antibiotics, all four family members were taken to a nearby hospital. While Stephen and Wesley received treatment and later returned to Canada, April and Oliver tragically did not survive their ordeal. Oliver, who experienced breathing difficulties and cardiac arrest, passed away shortly after admission, while April also succumbed shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed in their responsibility to handle and prepare food safely at the buffet and inadequately trained staff in food safety practices. Moreover, they are accused of dismissing or downplaying initial complaints and failing to respond promptly to the family’s distress calls. The family’s legal representation emphasised the importance of seeking accountability to ensure the safety of future vacationers in similar circumstances.
Air Transat expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of April and Oliver, refuting the allegations brought against the company, and reaffirming their commitment to supporting clients in challenging situations. Conversely, Wyndham Hotels and Clinica Canela did not provide immediate comments on the matter. The shocking incident underscores the importance of stringent food safety regulations and swift emergency responses to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes in the future. The family’s lawsuit not only seeks financial compensation but also aims to drive positive change in safety protocols within the industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
The Gougeon family’s devastating experience serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers faced by travellers, even at seemingly reputable resorts. This tragic incident highlights the critical role of proper food handling and emergency response procedures, as well as the vital importance of accountability and transparency in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The lawsuit filed by the family seeks to shed light on the circumstances surrounding April and Oliver’s untimely deaths and push for necessary reforms to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.