André Bourgeois Death Obituary: The tragic death of André Bourgeois, a beloved 41-year-old tour boat captain from Grand-Digue, New Brunswick, has left his family, friends, and the boating community devastated. Bourgeois, known for his deep love of the ocean and his dedication to his work, passed away on September 27, 2024, following an assault that occurred five days earlier in Fredericton.
Remembering André Bourgeois
André Bourgeois was a man of the sea, with a lifelong passion for boating and the ocean. Friends and colleagues remember him as a kind, hardworking individual with a giving spirit. Bernie Auffrey, a fellow boater and member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, reflected on his memories of Bourgeois, saying, “He was a truly decent man. Extremely diligent… he was a nice man overall.”
Bourgeois’s love for the ocean led him to establish his own charter business, where he shared his passion for the sea with others. According to his obituary, André was a determined, tough, and hardworking man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His presence in the community was felt deeply, both in his professional life as a tour boat captain and as a valued member of volunteer groups, such as the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Manslaughter Charges
On October 3, 2024, Fredericton police charged a 17-year-old with manslaughter in connection with André Bourgeois’s death. Due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identity of the accused is being withheld. The youth was remanded into custody, with a bail hearing scheduled for October 10. Police have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with additional arrests and charges expected.
The fatal incident occurred on September 22 in the Tannery, a courtyard area between King and Queen streets, outside several bars in Fredericton. Police reported that two men were assaulted, one of them being Bourgeois, who sustained serious injuries. He succumbed to those injuries five days later.
As the investigation unfolds, the Fredericton police have made it clear that they continue to seek out further information and are grateful to the public for their assistance in identifying persons of interest.
Mourning a Loss
The sudden and violent loss of André Bourgeois has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew him. His contributions to his community, his work as a captain, and his generosity to those around him will not be forgotten. As friends, family, and the Grand-Digue community grieve, they hold onto memories of a man who lived his life with passion and kindness.
Funeral arrangements and a celebration of André’s life will be shared with the community in the coming days.