Laval Senior Dies Outside Residence Amid -18C Cold Snap
A walker and bag lie outside Villagia de l'Île Paton in Laval, marked by police tape and a police car.

Laval Senior Dies Outside Residence Amid -18C Cold Snap

Laval senior found dead amid -18°C cold snap; family questions security at luxury residence. Investigation by coroner underway.


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Based on coverage from CBC, Toronto Sun, and Times Colonist.

Laval Senior Found Dead Outside Residence

An 88-year-old woman, Jeanne Gohier, was found deceased outside the Villagia de l'Île Paton seniors' residence in Laval early Monday morning. Laval police received a call at 6:50 a.m. and arrived to find Gohier lying near a walker and a small bag. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The temperature at the time was a frigid -18°C, according to Environment Canada.

Investigation Underway by Coroner

The case has been transferred to the coroner's office, with Coroner Amélie Lavigne assigned to determine the cause and circumstances of Gohier's death. While Laval police have stated that her death is not considered suspicious, they are withholding further comments until the coroner's investigation is complete.

Family Raises Concerns Over Security

Marc-Olivier Naud, Gohier's grandson, expressed concerns about the level of security at the residence. He reported that no staff were present at the front desk overnight, which may have contributed to the tragic outcome. Naud questioned the absence of security measures, especially considering the high cost of living at the facility, which ranges between $4,000 and $5,000 per month.

Villagia de l'Île Paton: A Luxury Residence

Villagia de l'Île Paton is a luxury retirement home in Laval, boasting 281 units, with 42 designated for residents requiring assistance and 239 for autonomous individuals. Despite its upscale reputation, the incident has raised questions about the adequacy of its safety protocols, especially during harsh weather conditions.

Awaiting Coroner's Findings

As the community awaits the coroner's findings, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the safety and security measures in place at seniors' residences across Quebec. The outcome of the investigation could lead to changes in how these facilities operate, particularly in ensuring the safety of their residents during extreme weather conditions.


Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3

How the coverage differed

This story was built from multiple outlets. All of them reported the death of an 88-year-old woman found outside a seniors' residence in Laval, but they highlighted different aspects of the incident:

  • CBC focused on the basic facts of the incident, such as the location, time, and weather conditions, while noting that the case was transferred to the coroner's office.
  • Toronto Sun provided personal insights by including quotes from the woman's grandson, who criticized the lack of overnight staff and security at the residence.
  • Times Colonist detailed the type of facility where the incident occurred, describing it as a luxury residence with specific units for assisted living and autonomous residents.

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