Canadian Tourist’s Mysterious Death in Dominican Resort Draws Attention
A somber cloud hangs over the sunny shores of Puerto Plata as another tragedy involving a foreign visitor rocks the Dominican Republic. Dorian MacDonald, a 38-year-old Canadian from Nova Scotia, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a popular resort town, echoing recent events that have put the Caribbean destination under scrutiny.
Late-Night Walk Ends in Tragedy
MacDonald, who was staying alone at a hotel in Puerto Plata, decided to take a late-night stroll around 2 AM on June 20. Not long after, at about 3 AM, a 911 call alerted authorities to his disappearance. Shortly after, at 4:15 AM during high tide, police discovered his body in the water. Officials classified the death as a drowning, though many details remain unclear, leaving friends and family searching for answers1.
Authorities and Family Respond
Global Affairs Canada confirmed awareness of the incident but offered little detail, citing privacy concerns. MacDonald’s family has not yet released a public statement, but the shock and sorrow among loved ones are palpable. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign set up by close friend Tara McKenzie quickly gained traction, raising over $33,000 toward a $40,000 goal to help bring MacDonald home to Nova Scotia for a proper farewell.
McKenzie described MacDonald as a brother, sharing memories of his infectious laugh and generous spirit. “The painful reality is now facing the unthinkable task of trying to bring him back to Nova Scotia in a timely manner—to his Mom, his sisters, his family, his people. As much as we know how much he loved D.R (IYKYK) we need him home,” the GoFundMe page reads.
Parallels to Sudiksha Konanki’s Disappearance
This case draws inevitable comparisons to the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who vanished during a pre-dawn beach visit at the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana on March 6. Konanki was last seen on CCTV at 4:15 AM with Joshua Riibe, who reported being swept by a wave while swimming. Despite extensive searches, Konanki’s body was never found, and her parents have since requested a death declaration.
Community and International Reactions
While authorities continue to investigate, the local and international community is left grappling with questions about safety and the circumstances surrounding these incidents. The deaths and disappearances of travelers in the Dominican Republic have sparked concern and calls for greater transparency and support for affected families.
As the story unfolds, the focus remains on bringing closure to MacDonald’s loved ones and understanding what led to these tragic events. Meanwhile, the memory of both MacDonald and Konanki serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that sometimes accompany adventure far from home.
