Friends mourn father and son killed in Aylmer house fire
A father and his son are dead after an early Wednesday morning fire in an Aylmer home.
Emergency crews responded to a call around 4:45 a.m. for a fire on Parker Street. Police evacuated nearby homes as a precautionary measure due to the size of the fire.
Gatineau police say two people were found unconscious inside the home and were taken to hospital.
Raymond Prest, 85, and Jean-Marc Prest, 67, later died in hospital.
Wednesday night friends and loved ones gathered at the site of the fire, sharing stories and hugs for those they lost.
Guy Rochon, who was a long time friend of Raymond Prest, said the community had lost someone who would give the shirt of his back to anyone who needed it.
“He was a great, great man and so was his son. It’s sad to see them to leave the world. They were great, great people,” Rochon said. “We hunted together, we fished together, we played ball together, I know I’m only 71 and he was 85, but he was one of my best friends.”
Alice Blais, Raymond Prest’s girlfriend of 15 years, was heartbroken he and his son were gone.
“He was a proud man, a lovely man, a lovely smile. He was sick for the past year and he had a hip replacement but we were starting to dance again together,” Blais said.
“Oh Ray keep a dance for me up there…I’m coming up, I’m going to dance with you.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6880423.1715281310!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.