A woman in her 90s is dead after she was found near a seniors’ residence in Lac-au-Saumon, in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region, on Jan. 1. Frédéric Deshaies, a spokesperson for Quebec provincial police, said emergency services were notified at around 8 a.m. about an elderly woman who had been found outside Domaine Lac-au-Saumon on Rue du Foyer. “The woman was in critical condition,” Deshaies said. “When emergency responders arrived, resuscitation efforts were already underway. She was taken to a hospital in the region where, unfortunately, her death was confirmed a few hours later.” Deshaies said the SQ is working with the Quebec coroner to determine why and how the woman ended up outside during the night. An autopsy will also be conducted. “The investigation is not over — we are still investigating — but based on what we know so far, the involvement of a third party in the death has been ruled out, as has the possibility of a criminal act,” he said. Domaine Lac-au-Saumon released a statement on social media Tuesday confirming the death and saying all safety and prevention measures in place were “strictly” followed. The residence said that in recent years it has added numerous safety measures to ensure the protection and well-being of its residents. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time.” The facility said it remains committed to supporting the families concerned, as well as its employees, and to providing any necessary assistance. It added that no further information will be released out of respect for the family and in accordance with confidentiality rules.
