Overview

• Dominican authorities ruled Dorian Christian MacDonald’s death an accidental drowning after his body was recovered from Maimon Bay on June 20 following a solo nighttime beach walk.
• Global Affairs Canada is providing consular assistance and liaising with local officials to help the family navigate repatriation logistics.
• A GoFundMe campaign organized by friend Tara Mackenzie has amassed almost $38,000 toward the $40,000 target to cover transportation, paperwork and related expenses.
• Repatriating remains involves extensive international coordination and significant costs that are typically borne by bereaved families.
• The case underscores a pattern of visitor drownings in the Dominican Republic this year and has revived calls for improved coastal safety measures.