QUEBEC CITY – Longtime Quebec coroner and fire investigation commissioner Cyrille Delâge has died.
A statement from city officials in Quebec City confirmed the death, although it was not clear when he passed away.
He was 80.
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Delâge was remembered as a pillar in the development of fire-safety measures in Quebec.
The notary oversaw some 3,500 investigations over a 50-year career, including many as a commissioner called in by fire services to look into blazes.
Delâge was best known in recent years as the coroner who oversaw a public inquiry into the fire at a seniors’ home in l’Isle-Verte that claimed 32 lives at the Residence du Havre in January 2014.
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His report into that blaze came out in February 2015 and prompted changes to fire-safety rules in Quebec seniors’ homes.
On Sunday, Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume recognized his work, calling Delâge’s death a great loss for Quebec as a whole.
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Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux also paid tribute on Monday, noting Delâge received an award just last month celebrating his remarkable career.
“I salute the dedication and commitment of an exceptional man who worked with passion for almost 50 years to improve the security of Quebecers,” Coiteux said in a statement.
“An ardent protector of human life, Mr. Delâge is well known for his part in the development of fire safety and helping to ensure better protection of the citizens of Quebec.”
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