The relatives of the family who perished in the fire of their house, on the night of Wednesday to Thursday in Saint-Jacques, in Lanaudière, are struggling to recover from their disappearance.
Catherine Bouchard-Poulin, 28, and Alex Guillemette, 27, had a little girl, Ollie, barely two months ago. Mme Bouchard-Poulin was the mother of three other children: Maïté, 3, Jake, 4, and Alyanna, 8.
PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
Alex Guillemette and little Ollie
“His children were his whole life,” testifies the cousin of the young woman, Patricia Bouchard, the day after the tragedy. “She had such a big heart! »
The parents and the brother of Catherine Bouchard-Poulin are in shock following this sudden tragedy which took away the whole family, reports Mme Bouchard. They also have many questions about the origin of the disaster. “They wonder why the dog didn’t yelp to wake them up,” she said.
On social networks, many relatives of the family also testify to their distress.
On Monday, a candlelight vigil is organized in memory of parents and their children by the municipality of Saint-Jacques. “People are invited to come and sign the tribute book at City Hall,” explains Mayor Josyanne Forest. “Then, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be a vigil inside with the city council. »
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) has not yet formally identified the six victims.
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) indicates that it has not yet proceeded to the formal identification of the six victims.
“Assessments will be carried out by the Laboratory of Forensic Sciences and Forensic Medicine, in order to complete the research of the cause of the fire carried out on the scene”, said Sergeant Éloïse Cossette, spokesperson for the SQ. “Until now the accidental cause is preferred. »
Relatives have launched a fundraising campaign on the Gofundme site to obtain help in organizing the family’s funeral.