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Died in prison: Gerard Lavoie, 75, died of natural causes
An inmate at the Archambault facility, Gerard Lavoie, died on November 24, 2025. The cause of death was believed to be natural causes.
Died in prison: Gerard Lavoie, 75, died of natural causes
A tragic incident has occurred at the Établissement Archambault in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebec. On November 24, 2025, 75-year-old prisoner Gerard Lavoie, who had been serving a life sentence since August 1973, died. The initial information suggests that he died of natural causes. This was announced by the Service correctionnel du Canada (SCC), which will now take a closer look at the circumstances of his death. Lavoie's relatives have already been informed of his death and are in shock.
Why it requires the SCC to review all circumstances surrounding an inmate's death is part of existing guidelines, which also include notification to the coroner's board. Gerard Lavoie was convicted in 1973 and has spent over 52 years behind bars. During this long period of time, much has changed in the world outside the prison walls.
A look back
Gerard Lavoie will be known not only for his conviction, but also as one of the longest-held prisoners in Canada. During his long term in prison, there were repeated discussions about the living conditions in prison and the possibility of rehabilitation programs. Lavoie spent more than five decades in a life that seems unimaginable to most people.
“It is tragic news that has reached us,” said a spokesman for the SCC. “We are examining the circumstances of the incident very carefully.” The death of an inmate always raises questions and affects not only the responsible personnel, but also the entire society that has to deal with the prison system and rehabilitation.
Consequences and reactions
Reactions to Lavoie's death are varied. Some are now calling for more transparency in prisons and a broader discussion about how to deal with older prisoners or prisoners with poor health. It is not only a question of the legal system, but also a moral issue that calls into question the fundamental values of our society.
The aftermath of this incident will certainly be discussed for the future treatment of prisoners and their human dignity. “We must ensure that the people living in our prisons receive the dignity and care they deserve, even in difficult times,” said a human rights expert.
The case of Gerard Lavoie is an example that humanity should not be lost even in the prison system. In the coming weeks, the SCC will examine in detail how this tragic incident occurred and what lessons need to be learned from it.