Quebec’s coroner’s office will hold a public inquriy into the recent deaths of five unhoused Montrealers.
The five people — aged 30 to 71 — died on Montreal streets between September and March.
The three most recent deaths took place over just two days last week, leading a shaken Montreal mayor to declare that the city and higher orders of government “need to do better.”
“It’s not normal that we’re losing people when we have the means to save them,” Soraya Martinez Ferrada said last Thursday, breaking down in tears.
While the coroner will investigate and issue reports following any suspicious, violent or mysterious death, public inquiries are only held at the instruction of the chief coroner or public security minister. Inquiries are open to members of the public, who can attend hearings to listen to testimony.
With deaths of unhoused people on the rise, “a thorough reflection is needed to address the underlying human and social issues,” Chief coroner Reno Bernier said in a statement Wednesday.
“Because every life matters, it is essential to shed all light on the causes and circumstances of these deaths in order to prevent other ones.”
The inquiry will investigate the deaths of:
Jennifer De Nobile, who died Sept. 23, 2025, aged 30
Marie Soleil Nantais, who died Oct. 24, 2025, aged 46
Valmont Brousseau, who died March 24, aged 71
Alain Paris, who died March 24, aged 55
Serge Martin, who died March 25, aged 57
The inquiry may investigate other deaths in similar circumstances if deemed necessary for a thorough review, the coroner’s office said.
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