In 1998, Justin Trudeau's younger brother was swept away in an avalanche
This article recounts the 1998 death of Michel Trudeau, the younger brother of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in an avalanche. It details the family's grief and the subsequent efforts to promote avalanche safety.
Why it matters
The story provides historical context on the personal tragedy that shaped the life and public advocacy of a prominent world leader.
The Trudeau family was hit by an insurmountable tragedy in 1998 when Michel Truedau, the younger son of Canada's former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, died in an avalanche. Michael was only 23 at that time. On November 13, 1998, Michel went on a skiing trip in the Kokanee Glacier Park, BC, with his friends. The avalanche separated the group and Michel was swept away. His friends were aliveHis body was never found. A memorial service was held a week later in Quebec.Nearly 10 months after Michel's death, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police made an attempt to search again for the body and they sent a dive team in Kokanee Lake, but they were not successful even after a month of endless searching.
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