Canadian who died in Dominican Republic was from Nova Scotia

CITYnews halifax / By Natasha O’Neill

While on vacation in the Dominican Republic a 38-year-old Canadian died, officials said, and now his family is hoping to bring his body home.

In less than 24 hours, friends and family of Dorian Christian MacDonald have raised tens of thousands of dollars to help bring his body back to Nova Scotia.

“He wasn’t just a friend. He was my brother in every way but blood—and maybe more so than some who share it. And I know I’m FAR from the only person who feels that way about him,” Tara McKenzie, who is organizing the GoFundMe, writes.

MacDonald was found dead in the water on a beach in the Puerto Plata resort town of Maimon Bay last Friday.

Agency spokesperson Jenssen Sanchez says first responders rushed to the scene after receiving a call at 3 a.m. local time, and the body was located more than an hour later. The fundraiser says he died suddenly in a drowning accident.

Related:

• Canadian tourist found dead in Dominican Republic, officials say

“Dorian handed out hugs, compliments and I love yous as freely as oxygen and always wanted and was willing to celebrate any and everything together—birthdays, holidays, babies, wins, losses, and whatever random Tuesday that seemed like it needed to be made a little bit more fun,” McKenzie writes.

The money from the fundraiser is going to bring MacDonald home to his mother, sisters and friends.

McKenzie said the process is long, slow and expensive for bringing the body home. It includes flights, international paperwork, funeral coordination and preparation of the body.

“We will carry your name, your stories, the memories, your ridiculous jokes and infectious laugh and incredible heart with us always.”

With files from The Canadian Press.