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Death of Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi

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Alexandra Diengo Lumbayi
BornMay 2003
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Disappeared2 October 2024 (age 21)
Saint-Quentin Island
Body discoveredSaint-Quentin Island in Trois-Rivières
Other namesAlex
EducationUniversité du Québec à Trois-Rivières
OccupationStudent
Parents
  • Georges Lumbayi (father)
  • Rosemine Ndjondo (mother)

On 2 October 2024, Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi, a 21-year-old Congolese student at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières (UQTR), was reported missing in the afternoon around Saint-Quentin Island in Trois-Rivières.[1][2] Search efforts were organized promptly on 4–5 October to track her down.[3] On Sunday, 6 October, divers from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) collaborated with investigators from the Trois-Rivières Police Department (Direction de la police de Trois-Rivières) to draft a strategic approach for underwater search missions.[3] An SQ helicopter carried out reconnaissance flights over Saint-Quentin Island.[3] On the same day, Diengo's mother, Rosemine Ndjondo, posted a TikTok video raising awareness about her daughter's disappearance.[3][4][5][6] The video went viral, receiving over 5 million views and evoking a massive show of support on social media in Canada and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[5][7]

On 7 October, investigators retrieved a slipper and bracelet presumed to be hers, which were sent for DNA testing.[8] Her body was discovered on 8 October floating in marina on Saint-Quentin Island and Kruger Wayagamack Inc. property.[9] The coroner noted that DNA testing was required because of the body's condition, and an inquiry is underway to determine the exact events and circumstances that led to Diengo's death.[10][11]

Background

[edit]

Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi was born in May 2003, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. She is the sole offspring of her parents, Rosemine Ndjondo and Georges Lumbayi.[12] Ndjondo conceived Diengo at the age of 17, with Georges Lumbayi repudiating the pregnancy, causing her to endure the challenges of motherhood alone.[13] Ndjondo described her daughter as a considerate young woman who was hardworking and dedicated to her academic pursuits.[12] In due course, she enrolled Diengo at top schools in Cameroon and South Africa.[13] In 2023, Diengo began her studies in business administration at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières (UQTR).[12]

Disappearance

[edit]

Diengo was last seen on Wednesday, 2 October, around 3:40 p.m., near Saint-Quentin Island.[8] She is described as having black hair, brown eyes, a height of 1.73 meters (5 feet, 6 inches), and weighing about 45 kilograms (99 pounds).[1][2] At the time she went missing, she was wearing dark-colored clothing and carrying a large white handbag.[1][2] Diengo's mother, Rosemine Ndjondo, reported her missing after several days without contact. Surveillance footage released from Saint-Quentin Island on Wednesday, 2 October, at around 4:10 p.m., shows Diengo alone in at least four instances. Her last recorded movements were towards a wooded area of the island,[14] dropped off by her roommate, who was the final person to see her, at the entrance to Chemin de l'Île Saint-Christophe.[5] "The roommate was the one to file the initial report and has been interviewed by investigators".[15] Coordinated search operations were initiated promptly on 4–5 October in an effort to locate her whereabouts.[3]

On 6 October, Sunday morning, divers from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) collaborated with Trois-Rivières Police Department (Direction de la police de Trois-Rivières) investigators to devise a tactical plan for aquatic search efforts.[3] An SQ helicopter conducted aerial reconnaissance over Saint-Quentin Island.[3] That same day, Ndjondo released an impassioned TikTok video to raise awareness of her daughter's disappearance.[3][4][5] In the video, she shared her anguish, stating, "I haven't been drinking, I'm not eating, I'm not sleeping. I don't even know how to close my eyes anymore or how to live".[16] She further disclosed that law enforcement indicated Diengo's cellphone had ceased transmitting messages since 2 October.[3] The video went viral, accumulating more than 5 million views, and triggering an outpouring of support on social media, both in Canada and the DRC.[5][7] Contacted by Radio-Canada later that day, Ndjondo affirmed her intention to travel imminently to Trois-Rivières to contribute personally to the search efforts.[3] The Trois-Rivières Police Department appealed to the public for assistance to locate her.[8] The General Association of Students of the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (Association générale étudiante de l'Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières; AGE UQTR) and members of Congolese, Cameroonian, and Senegalese communities joined the search, with some actively assisting on the island.[3][16] Volunteers disseminated posters extensively across Saint-Quentin Island, seeking information from people who might possess critical knowledge.[3] Josée-Anne Labrousse, the park's general manager, stated that the staff empathizes deeply with Diengo's loved ones and pledged the park's cooperation to assist in the investigation.[17]

On 7 October, searches of Saint-Quentin Island yielded no breakthroughs, and on-ground operations were suspended due to "lack of evidence".[18] However, later that afternoon, a slipper and a bracelet suspected to belong to her were discovered and handed to forensic experts for DNA testing.[8] On Tuesday morning, 8 October, a kayaker found her body in the St. Maurice River near the marina on Saint-Quentin Island and Kruger Wayagamack Inc. property at 10:20 a.m.[9] Police, emergency medical responders, and fire personnel were dispatched to the marina.[11] An assembly of approximately 80 students and members of the Congolese diaspora traveled to Saint-Quentin Island. Many of them came from Montreal to offer their help in the search for pertinent evidence that might facilitate the resumption of official investigatory procedures.[11] The coroner, after conducting an assessment, identified the remains as 21-year-old Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi later that afternoon.[13] The results of the DNA test on the shoe retrieved from the island were still unknown.[10] According to Radio-Canada, the coroner indicated that the test was requisite due to the degree of decomposition of the body, and an inquiry is presently underway to ascertain the precise causes and circumstances surrounding Diengo's death.[11]

A memorial mass, attended by the deceased's relatives, was held on the evening of 9 October at the Cathédrale de l'Assomption de Trois-Rivières.[19] In the wake of the tragedy, Ndjondo went to the Canadian embassy in Kinshasa to expedite her trip to Canada.[20] Magloire Bigindi, the President of the Congolese Students Association at UQTR, expressed a desire to meet with her to honor the memory of her daughter.[20] François-Philippe Champagne, the Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice—Champlain and Minister confirmed that the Canadian government took swift action to facilitate the necessary visa process, ensuring the prompt arrival of Diengo's family in Trois-Rivières.[21] "Visas are being issued, we are following this hour by hour! Because we had to work with the Congolese embassy in Ottawa, identify the families with the UQTR and have all the necessary information".[21]

On 10 October, in Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi, accompanied by First Lady Denise Nyakéru Tshisekedi, received Diengo's parents at the Cité de l'Union Africaine.[22] Yelu Mulop, coordinator of the Presidency's specialized service on youth and violence prevention, remarked that the President has committed to supporting the family while investigations continue.[23][24] On 14 October, two visas had been issued to permit the family's entry, though their intended travel as a delegation introduced additional complexities to the process.[25] On 24 October, the family arrived in Trois-Rivières, where they met with Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Mayor Jean Lamarche, who extended condolences and offered the community's solidarity as outlined in an official statement.[26][27] Also present at the meeting were Joska Kabongo Ngoy, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's ambassador-designate, and Caroline D'Astous, UQTR's director of government relations.[27][26] After visiting the site of Diengo's disappearance and reflecting on her final moments in the room she rented, the family has expressed a singular priority, as stated by Georges Lumbayi: "elucidating the circumstances in which our child met his death".[26] Ndjondo later posted a TikTok video thanking those who helped in the search.[27]

Public reactions

[edit]

Memorials and tributes

[edit]

In the days following the discovery of Diengo's body, friends, relatives, and members of the Congolese community gathered near the marina where she was found, where they adorned the site with flowers and stuffed animals.[28] The Congolese Students Association of the UQTR (Association des Étudiants Congolais de l'UQTR; AEC UQTR) organized a candlelit vigil in front of the university's Ringuet Pavilion, drawing approximately 400 attendees.[29][30] The gathering featured speeches from friends and colleagues who shared memories of Diengo and honored her life.[29] A memorial mass was also held on 9 October at the Cathédrale de l'Assomption de Trois-Rivières, attended by Diengo's relatives and supporters.[19]

Magloire Bigindi, president of the AEC UQTR, reflected on the shock felt by the community, stating, "It's extremely rare for this kind of thing to happen here in Trois-Rivières. We were hoping to find our sister Alexandra, but the reality was different".[28] Similarly, Jean-François Hinse, interim director of communications and alumni relations at UQTR, acknowledged the impact of Diengo's death, noting that it deeply affected both Congolese international students and the broader Québécois community.[31]

On 5 November, Ndjondo and Lumbayi attended the funeral at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal, where nearly 200 friends, relatives, and members of the Congolese community gathered to pay their final respects to Diengo.[32]

Emotional repercussions and calls for support

[edit]

The tragedy prompted some students to seek psychosocial assistance from UQTR's services, with psychologist Simon Turcotte emphasizing that reactions to such events vary widely, ranging from distress to anger to emotional numbness.[28]

Joska Kabongo Ngoy, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's ambassador-designate to Canada, visited Saint-Quentin Island and later met with UQTR's rector.[28] However, his involvement sparked controversy among Congolese community members, with some criticizing the perceived delay in his response. A meeting with students became contentious, requiring his departure under the escort of security personnel.[28]

Demonstrations in Kinshasa

[edit]

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, public demonstrations expressed solidarity with Diengo's family and highlighted concerns about violence against youth. On 10 October, President Félix Tshisekedi and First Lady Denise Nyakéru Tshisekedi received Diengo's parents at the Cité de l'Union Africaine, pledging continued support during the ongoing investigation.[22]

Women from the NGO Génération Femme and Radio de la Femme took to the streets of Kinshasa on Friday, 11 October, at the behest of Elfie Esther Nkishi Ilunga.[33] The peaceful demonstration commenced in the Batetela neighborhood in the Gombe commune and concluded at the Canadian embassy in Kinshasa, where a memorandum was presented and read by Elfie Esther Nkishi, the founder of Génération Femme and the General Director of Radio de la Femme.[33]

Collective grief and advocacy

[edit]

Expressions of grief extended across various platforms. On 14 October, Karol Ntemo, secretary general of the Congolese community at UQTR, spoke on Radio-Canada's Toujours le matin, voicing a prevailing impatience and frustration within the community.[34] "There is a strong desire for clarity regarding whether a funeral will take place and if a gathering can be arranged. While we are indeed in a state of confusion, our primary focus remains on honoring our sister with a proper burial. This is our foremost objective".[34]

On 18 October, approximately 50 people gathered at the Ormeaux Community Centre in Trois-Rivières. Organized by UQTR professor Yvon Nawej, the event offered a space for students to express their emotions and seek comfort in solidarity.[35]

Family and personal reflections

[edit]

Diengo's father, Lumbayi, rejected any notion of suicide, emphasizing her optimism and ambition.[26] In a interview with Radio-Canada on 24 October, he recounted her enthusiasm for her new telecommunications job and her declaration, "I will take over from you, Dad".[26]

Congolese actress Bellevue Kandy conveyed her sympathies through a heartfelt statement, stating, "The most profound tears are not those that fall from our eyes, but rather those that remain unspoken within our hearts, where they linger and cause us pain. Your passing has profoundly impacted us all. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the departed".[30]

Funeral

[edit]

On 5 November 2024, nearly 200 individuals gathered in Montreal to pay their respects at the funeral of Alexandra Martin Diengo Lumbayi. Attendees included residents from Quebec and Trois-Rivières, who traveled to Montreal for the occasion.[36]

The family expressed a desire to hold the funeral in Quebec, where Alexandra had been studying and where she passed away.[37] After the ceremony, Diengo's remains were repatriated to Kinshasa on 28 November.[38]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Fortin, Alexandra; Bourassa, Josée (5 October 2024). "Jeune femme disparue à Trois-Rivières" [Young woman missing in Trois-Rivières]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Mystère au Canada après la mort d'une étudiante: disparue depuis une semaine, son corps a été retrouvé flottant dans une rivière" [Mystery in Canada after the death of a student: missing for a week, her body was found floating in a river]. ladepeche.fr (in French). 9 October 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Lebel, Kassandra (6 October 2024). "La mère de l'étudiante portée disparue lance un appel à l'aide" [Mother of missing student appeals for help]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Disparition d'Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi: Appel au soutien des autorités congolaises et canadiennes" [Disappearance of Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi: Call for support from Congolese and Canadian authorities]. New-messager-de-la-paix.net (in French). 8 October 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Canada: Disparition inquiétante d'une étudiante congolaise à Trois-Rivières, les autorités en alerte" [Canada: Disturbing disappearance of a Congolese student in Trois-Rivières, authorities on alert]. Actualite.cd (in French). 8 October 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  6. ^ "TikTok: Bbrosalabelle". Tiktok.com. 6 October 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Le corps d'Alexandra Martine, étudiante congolaise disparue et retrouvée morte au Canada, rapatrié à Kinshasa" [Body of Alexandra Martine, Congolese student who disappeared and was found dead in Canada, repatriated to Kinshasa]. Mbote (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d Ndjock, Yvan Tounssi (8 October 2024). "Canada: l'étudiante congolaise Alexandra Lumbayi portée disparue depuis plusieurs jours". Newstories Africa (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  9. ^ a b St-Yves, Amélie; Houle, Amélie (8 October 2024). "Le corps retrouvé à l'île Saint-Quentin est bien celui de l'étudiante disparue" [The body found on Saint-Quentin Island is indeed that of the missing student]. Le Nouvelliste (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  10. ^ a b Beaudry, Francis; Boulanger, Charles-Antoine (10 October 2024). "La mort de l'étudiante congolaise continue de choquer à Trois-Rivières" [Death of Congolese student continues to shock in Trois-Rivières]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d Simard-Blouin, Amélie; Leroux, Barbara (8 October 2024). "L'étudiante disparue retrouvée sans vie à Trois-Rivières" [Missing student found dead in Trois-Rivières]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  12. ^ a b c Lebel, Kassandra (6 October 2024). "La mère de l'étudiante portée disparue lance un appel à l'aide". Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  13. ^ a b c Amarachi (9 October 2024). "Heartbroken Mother Mourns As Body Of Missing 21-year-old Congolese Student Is Found In River In Canada". Tori.ng. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  14. ^ "Canada: Disparition inquiétante d'une étudiante congolaise à Trois-Rivières, les autorités en alerte" [Canada: Disturbing disappearance of a Congolese student in Trois-Rivières, authorities on alert]. Actualite.cd (in French). 8 October 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  15. ^ St-Yves, Amélie (7 October 2024). "Le colocataire de l'étudiante disparue a collaboré avec la police" [Missing student's roommate cooperated with police]. Le Nouvelliste (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  16. ^ a b Amarachi (9 October 2024). "Heartbroken Mother Mourns As Body Of Missing 21-year-old Congolese Student Is Found In River In Canada". Tori.ng. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  17. ^ "Québec: Alexandra Diengo Lumbayi retrouvée morte au bord d'une rivière" [Quebec: Alexandra Diengo Lumbayi found dead on the banks of a river]. Lebledparle (in French). 9 October 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  18. ^ Fortin, Alexandra; Boulanger, Charles-Antoine (7 October 2024). "Les recherches pour retrouver l'étudiante disparue à Trois-Rivières sont suspendues" [Search for missing student in Trois-Rivières suspended]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  19. ^ a b Beaudry, Francis; Boulanger, Charles-Antoine (10 October 2024). "La mort de l'étudiante congolaise continue de choquer à Trois-Rivières" [Death of Congolese student continues to shock in Trois-Rivières]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  20. ^ a b Beaudry, Francis; Boulanger, Charles-Antoine (10 October 2024). "La mort de l'étudiante congolaise continue de choquer à Trois-Rivières" [Death of Congolese student continues to shock in Trois-Rivières]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  21. ^ a b Forcier-Martin, Cassandre (12 October 2024). "Décès de l'étudiante congolaise: le gouvernement du Canada intervient" [Death of Congolese student: Canadian government intervenes]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  22. ^ a b "Canada/Décès d'Alexandra Lumbayi: Le Couple Présidentiel exprime son soutien à la famille de la défunte" [Canada/Death of Alexandra Lumbayi: The Presidential Couple expresses its support to the family of the deceased]. Présidence de la RDC (in French). 10 October 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  23. ^ Sika, Jean-Jacques Jarele (10 October 2024). "RDC: Le couple présidentiel s'est entretenu avec les parents d'Alexandra Diengo Lumbayi, jeune étudiante congolaise retrouvée morte au Canada" [DRC: The presidential couple spoke with the parents of Alexandra Diengo Lumbayi, a young Congolese student found dead in Canadahttps]. Les Echos du Congo Brazzaville (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  24. ^ Naomie, Mena Lutete (11 October 2024). "Décès de l'étudiante Alexandra Lumbayi: le couple présidentiel accorde son soutien à la famille de la défunte" [Death of student Alexandra Lumbayi: the presidential couple grants its support to the family of the deceased]. Mediacongo.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  25. ^ Forcier-Martin, Cassandre (14 October 2024). "Décès de l'étudiante congolaise: l'impatience se fait sentir à l'UQTR" [Death of Congolese student: impatience is felt at UQTR]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  26. ^ a b c d e Grenon, Julie (3 November 2024). "Les parents d'Alexandra Diengo Lumbayi veulent des réponses" [Alexandra Diengo Lumbayi's parents want answers]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  27. ^ a b c St-Yves, Amélie (25 October 2024). ""La réalité est là. Mon bébé n'est plus"" ["The reality is there. My baby is no more".]. Le Quotidien (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  28. ^ a b c d e Beaudry, Francis; Boulanger, Charles-Antoine (10 October 2024). "La mort de l'étudiante congolaise continue de choquer à Trois-Rivières" [Death of Congolese student continues to shock in Trois-Rivières]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  29. ^ a b Beaudry, Francis; Simard-Blouin, Amélie (9 October 2024). "Rassemblement aux chandelles en l'honneur de l'étudiante retrouvée morte" [Candlelight rally in honor of student found dead]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  30. ^ a b Houle, Sébastien (9 October 2024). "Deuil et stupeur à l'UQTR: "Alex, ce soir nous serons ta famille"" [Mourning and shock at UQTR: "Alex, tonight we will be your family"]. Le Nouvelliste (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  31. ^ Beaudry, Francis; Boulanger, Charles-Antoine (10 October 2024). "La mort de l'étudiante congolaise continue de choquer à Trois-Rivières" [Death of Congolese student continues to shock in Trois-Rivières]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  32. ^ Forcier-Martin, Cassandre; Marceau, Marilyn (5 November 2024). "Un dernier au revoir à Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi" [A final goodbye to Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  33. ^ a b Nzila, Ephra (11 October 2024). "Meurtre d'Alexandra au Canada: à l'initiative d'Elfie Esther Nkishi, les femmes ont marché à Kinshasa pour réclamer justice" [Murder of Alexandra in Canada: at the initiative of Elfie Esther Nkishi, women marched in Kinshasa to demand justice]. Radio de la Femme (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  34. ^ a b Forcier-Martin, Cassandre (14 October 2024). "Décès de l'étudiante congolaise: l'impatience se fait sentir à l'UQTR" [Death of Congolese student: impatience is felt at UQTR]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  35. ^ Lebel, Kassandra (19 October 2024). "Un rassemblement à la mémoire d'Alexandra" [A gathering in memory of Alexandra]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  36. ^ Forcier-Martin, Cassandre; Marceau, Marilyn (5 November 2024). "Un dernier au revoir à Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi" [A final goodbye to Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi]. Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  37. ^ Muamba, Clement (10 October 2024). "Le rapatriement du corps d'Alexandra et l'enquête sur sa mort au coeur d'échange entre le gouvernement, la famille et l'ambassadrice du Canada à Kinshasa" [The repatriation of Alexandra's body and the investigation into her death at the heart of discussions between the government, the family and the Canadian ambassador in Kinshasa]. Actualite.cd (in French). Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  38. ^ "Le corps d'Alexandra Martine, étudiante congolaise disparue et retrouvée morte au Canada, rapatrié à Kinshasa" [Body of Alexandra Martine, Congolese student who disappeared and was found dead in Canada, repatriated to Kinshasa]. Mbote (in French). 28 November 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
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