A coroner’s report reveals a Haitian man’s tragic death near the U.S. border was due to drowning and hypothermia during a crossing attempt
MONTREAL: A Quebec coroner has shared some heartbreaking news about a 44-year-old Haitian man named Fritznel Richard. He was found dead in January 2023 after trying to cross into the U.S. The coroner believes he likely drowned after suffering from hypothermia.
Richard was discovered in a ditch filled with water near the U.S. border in St-Bernard-de-Lacolle. He had been living in Montreal for two years but wanted to reunite with his wife across the border. He attempted the crossing on foot in late December 2022.
Unfortunately, the weather was brutal that day, with heavy snowfall. Richard even called his wife during the crossing, saying he was cold and exhausted. He mentioned that his legs and feet felt frozen. Then, suddenly, the call dropped.
The coroner noted that Richard was dressed warmly, but hypothermia likely set in, causing him to lose consciousness and drown. The ruling was accidental, and it serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in crossing the border in remote areas.
This tragic story highlights the dangers many face when trying to cross borders outside of official checkpoints. It’s a tough situation that many people find themselves in.
