Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source tells CTV.
Local news outlet Dominica News Online first reported Saturday that remains, which it says police believe to be the bodies of Langlois and Marchand, were found in a charred vehicle on Dec. 1. Reached by CTV News, local police refused to confirm or refute that report.
Langlois and Marchand co-operated Coulibri Ridge, a luxury resort on the island. Langlois is well-known in Quebec's media industry as the founder of SOFTIMAGE, a digital effects program used on several blockbuster films, including Jurassic Park, The Matrix, and Harry Potter.
He later established the Daniel Langlois Foundation, which has a mandate to promote sustainability in communities hit by natural disasters. In Montreal, the foundation also contributed to the purchase of the Ex-Centris movie theatres complex.
CTV reached out to Global Affairs Canada to confirm the Dominica report, and while the agency did respond, it did not name Langlois or Marchand, citing "privacy considerations."
"Global Affairs Canada is aware of reports of the death of two Canadian citizens in Dominica," read an emailed response from a spokesperson. "Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the Canadian citizens involved."
"Consular officials stand ready to provide consular assistance and support to the family and are in contact with local authorities to obtain additional information," it added. "Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed."
Coulibri Ridge is located on the south side of the Island of Dominica.
Both Langlois and Marchand were considered valuable members of the local community. A long-time friend called the couple "exemplary."
"We met them when they first came" to the Carribean over two decades ago, London, Ont.-born Jessica Canham told CTV.
"They were just exemplary community members and investors," she said.
The Dominica News Online article was shared widely and quickly through personal digital channels through the community. Canham says people are still in shock.
"It's a small community," she said. "News travels very fast. So, everybody is just in shock. Disbelief."
"Suddenly, you realize how precious life is, and how short it is. We need to remember to always let people know what they mean to us while they're here with us," Canham added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
'Repetitive partisan conduct': Conservatives to force vote on ousting Speaker Greg Fergus
The federal Conservatives have advanced a motion that will force MPs to vote on whether to oust Greg Fergus as House of Commons Speaker, after MPs' deputy adjudicator ruled Monday that the Liberal member's allegedly errant partisan event invite required urgent attention.
Trial for B.C. man accused of killing, dismembering wife begins
The trial for a Langley man accused of killing his wife began Monday, with the prosecutor laying out a disturbing series of facts agreed upon by both Crown and defence.
Stars roar back to win Game 3 over Oilers
Jason Robertson's hat-trick goal midway through the third period broke a deadlock and proved to be the eventual winner as the Dallas Stars beat the host Edmonton Oilers 5-3 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final to take a 2-1 series lead.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
Severe thunderstorms, tornado watch in some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind, severe thunderstorms and even snowfall across some areas of Canada.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Israel close to approving Gaza reunification program before Rafah invasion: Miller
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says Israel seemed to be on the verge of approving a program to get Palestinian relatives of Canadians out of the Gaza Strip before the country's invasion of the town of Rafah.