Water lends a distinctive charm to the Outaouais. The region is home to thousands of lakes, as well as the majestic Ottawa River and its rushing tributaries, including the Dumoine, Noire, Coulonge, Quyon, Gatineau, and Du Lièvre. These waterways are vital to our existence. Yet, these same waters also claim lives.
Sadly, for those left behind, this happens too often. This summer is no different, as Outaouais mourns the loss of Daniel Desjardins, an Aylmer man who tragically lost his life while attempting to save his partner from drowning in the waters of Quyon. She survived; he didn’t.
To write that all of Outaouais is mourning the loss of Mr. Desjardins is no exaggeration. Those who know him mourn him deeply (present tense, as he will always live in the hearts of the people who love him). Those who had never heard of him before his tragic death are mourning him out of profound human compassion.
Since the ice melted off our pools, lakes and rivers, there have been several drownings.
A teen playing around has drowned. A child who escaped his parents’ vigilance drowned.
A young man who had swum in local lakes and rivers his whole life has drowned.
And now, a man trying to save his distressed partner didn’t make it out.
The next logical thought that comes to mind is about life jackets, water safety, swimming lessons, and sobriety. But after thirty years of reporting from local newsrooms, I conclude these thoughts are too obvious. Of course, every person on the water should wear a life jacket, be sober and practice swimming regularly, not just take a few lessons in grade 3. These are almost patronizing thoughts, too insulting to say out loud. Some reaction is needed, though.
Delving into the essence of life and death, into the force of our natural world, into the meaning of existence: these are the thoughts that overcome people affected by tragic events like Daniel Desjardins’ heartbreaking death.
The non-answers are as loud as empty space, are they not? Why do chronically impaired drivers careen around our roads yet never get hurt, and then an innocent child drowns in a pool when left unattended for long enough to use the washroom? This question has been part of humanity as long as we have known to forage for blueberries in August.
There is no solace in knowing the Desjardins family is part of a long line of life’s injustices. But maybe the Outaouais-wide embrace going out to the family and friends does help?
Editor’s note: If you have been affected by the sudden loss of a loved one, support is available. Contact the United by the Heart support group at olga.ouellet@ssss.gouv.qc.ca. AutonHomme Pontiac offers occasional grief support group sessions; call 819-648-2309 for details. You can also call 811 and select option 2 for assistance.
Published in the Pontiac Journal on Aug 13, 2025.
