TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Quebec — The community is mourning the sudden passing of Dominique Blais, a highly regarded teacher at Collège Laflèche, whose death has left colleagues, students, and loved ones in profound shock.

Dominique Blais was known not only for dedication to education but for the compassion and encouragement brought into the classroom each day. Students describe a teacher who believed deeply in their potential — someone who took the time to listen, to guide, and to inspire confidence both academically and personally.

Colleagues at Collège Laflèche remember Dominique as a committed professional who cared deeply about the success and well-being of every student. Beyond lesson plans and lectures, it was the human connection that defined a career marked by patience, kindness, and integrity.

While the exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, the sudden nature of the loss has left the Trois-Rivières community grappling with grief. Counseling and support services have been made available to students and staff as they process the tragedy.

Tributes have poured in from former students and fellow educators, many sharing stories of encouragement, mentorship, and lasting impact. For many, Dominique Blais was more than a teacher — a mentor, a role model, and a steady source of support.

As friends, family, and the academic community come together to mourn, Dominique’s legacy lives on in the countless lives shaped within the walls of Collège Laflèche. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days