Family Seeks Help to Bring Home NS Man’s Remains

Photo:AP

In June 2025, a family from Nova Scotia went through a very sad event. Their son, Dorian Christian MacDonald, aged 33, died while visiting Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. He was on a quiet midnight walk on a beach at Maimon Bay on June 20. Around 3 a.m., he was last seen walking alone. His body was sadly found in the water about two hours later during the high tide. Local officials believe he drowned unexpectedly—though they are still checking details.

Dorian's family and friends described him as a bright light in people's lives. His close friend, Tara McKenzie, started a GoFundMe to help bring Dorian's body home to Nova Scotia. She shared that the family needs up to $20,000 to cover many costs. These include paperwork, funeral home services, flights, packaging, and legal requirements to repatriate his remains.

Tara said in the campaign:

“We just want him out of that cold system and back where he belongs—with us.” 

She added that until Dorian is brought home, the family cannot truly begin to grieve or say a proper farewell.

Global Affairs Canada confirmed they are aware of the tragedy and are offering support to his family. Canadian authorities are also working with local officials in the Dominican Republic to help with the access to the body and the necessary documents .

Repatriating a body from overseas is known to be expensive and complicated. It involves:

1. Getting a death certificate from local doctors.
2. Preparing an embalming report and sealed casket.
3. Handling airline fees for transport.
4. Completing customs and security checks.
5. Purchasing a coffin suitable for international handling.
6. Coordinating funeral home arrangements once the body returns.

Because of this, the family’s plan relies on the generosity of friends, extended family, and kind strangers who wish to help.

Friends remember Dorian as someone full of love. They shared memories of how he filled rooms with hugs, laughter, and kindness. One post said he handed out “hugs, compliments and I love you’s as freely as oxygen.” It’s clear that many people will miss him dearly.

Why this matters

• It helps people understand that traveling abroad can sometimes lead to unexpected emergencies.
• It shows how repatriation is costly and bureaucratic, and why families often need public help.
• It reminds Canadians of the importance of travel insurance and knowing what support is available while overseas.
• It highlights the role of government help, like from Global Affairs Canada, in such situations.

If you’d like to help, you can donate to the GoFundMe campaign. Even a small gift can help the family bring Dorian back home and hold a proper farewell. If you have questions about travel insurance or what to do in emergencies abroad, I can help explain those steps too.