Northern Ont. woman dies suddenly while vacationing in the Dominican

Brook Morneau, 24, who died suddenly in Dominican Republic is mourned by family & fiancé. Community support eases grief as they await the return of her remains.

Family and friends are grieving after Brook Morneau, 24, from Greater Sudbury, died unexpectedly on March 8 while on vacation in the Dominican Republic.

But her fiancé, Devon Gavan, said he’s been comforted by the outpouring of support he and the family have received.

“She was so caring and kind to everyone she met,” Gavan said.

Morneau, a nurse, had been travelling with Gavan and his family for his mother Corrina’s 50th birthday, celebrated just a few days before Morneau died.

“It actually was really a nice day, it’s too bad, it’s all shadowed now by what happened,” Corrina said.

In an exclusive interview with CTV News, Gavan and his mother said Morneau “felt off” after dinner last Friday and went to bed.

The next morning, she woke up vomiting and continued to feel ill. The medic at their resort told them to go to the hospital, where she was admitted as a patient.

“We thought she would be fine, like, she was doing very well until she wasn’t. Then the next day she did, unfortunately, pass away,” Corrina said.

The family still doesn’t know why she died, although Corrina said another person in their travel party also felt ill. It took them six days to recover from what was later diagnosed as a bacterial infection.

Gavan said the loss is unbearable.

“I don’t even have the words to describe what it’s like,” he said.

“It’s very awful to feel that way and to lose someone so quickly, someone so special to me.”

His brother started a GoFundMe to help the family pay to bring Brook’s remains home to Canada, pay for the funeral and for other expenses.

The response has been so overwhelming that the goal has been increased several times and is now at $60,000. As of Saturday afternoon, more than $54,000 had been raised.

“It brings some comfort in a time that comfort is very much needed and it’s heartwarming,” Gavan said.

“There’s so much gratitude it’s hard to express it.”

“Grateful and touched by the community support (from) across Canada, really. It’s really beautiful and a testament to Brook,” Corrina said.

Morneaus’s family said in a statement that “the trauma of everything that has happened is still extremely devastating for our family.”

“Our family simply wants to raise awareness so that others understand the potential risks of travelling abroad. It’s important that people do thorough research before they travel and not rely solely on a resort’s website. Travellers should have access to accurate information so they can make fully informed decisions before choosing to go,” the statement said.

“One of the things we have learned through this experience is that health-care systems in other countries may be regulated differently than in Canada and may not always provide the same standards of care Canadians are used to. We believe people should be aware of these differences and the possible risks when travelling.”

Health Sciences North (HSN), where Morneau worked, has lowered the flags at the Ramsey Lake Health Centre and Sudbury Outpatient Centre to half-mast until Tuesday in Morneau’s honour.

In an internal memo obtained by CTV News, HSN said:

“At just 24 years old, Brook was a passionate nurse with the PACU team and touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She embodied kindness, compassion, and dedication. She cared deeply for her patients and colleagues, always offering a gentle presence, a listening ear, and a reassuring smile.”

“She will be remembered as sweet, soft-spoken, and incredibly kind. Her compassionate nature and family-oriented spirit touched so many people. No matter the day, she carried warmth with her often with a love for pink and anything that sparkled, which reflected the brightness she brought into the world. Her passing leaves a profound loss in the recovery room and in our hearts,” the memo continues.

Funeral services aren’t yet complete as the family is still waiting for her body to be returned to Canada.