Friends of Carol Fournier have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her funeral and children after she was found dead in a wooded area in Greater Sudbury on Nov. 8.
Fournier’s death is being investigated as a homicide. Police say she died as a result of blunt-force injuries.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Carol’s family and friends,” said a press release from police. “We ask that you respect their privacy during this difficult and emotional time.”
Fournier was seen on video surveillance footage, walking alone, on Beatty Street around 12:45 p.m. on Nov. 8.
Her body was located by a community member shortly before 2:40 p.m. that same afternoon in a wooded area west of McNeil Boulevard, north of the railway tracks (image of area attached).
Saying they believe Fournier was murdered and a victim of intimate partner violence, Greater Sudbury Police have said she was in a relationship with 47-year-old Rick Jones at the time of her death.
The body of Jones was found Nov. 11 in the same wooded area, three days after Fournier’s body was found. At this time, foul play is not suspected in Jones’ death.
"Around 10:30 a.m. this morning, Nov. 11, 2023, members of our Search and Rescue Unit located 47-year-old Rick Jones deceased in the wooded area West of McNeil Boulevard, North of the railway tracks while conducting an evidence search in relation to the murder of Carol Fournier," said the police news release.
A post-mortem will be conducted through the Coroner’s Office on Nov. 14 to assist in determining the cause of death, however at this time foul play is not suspected, said the police statement.
"In consultation with Carol’s family, we can confirm that prior to her being murdered, she was in a relationship with Rick Jones and both outstanding arrest warrants for Rick were for Intimate Partner Violence incidents involving Carol. We continue to ask that you respect the privacy of Carol’s family during this tragic time," said the police statement.
No information was provided by the police statement with respect to the possible cause of death of Jones, when he might have died or how long his body has been in the wooded area where the search was carried out.
The GoFundMe crowdfunding page was launched over the weekend by Kelly Villars and Leo Martel, who say they are Fournier’s childhood friends. So far, it has raised $5,640 of its $20,000 goal.
“She leaves behind three beautiful children who miss her dearly,” said the GoFundMe page.
“We are reaching out to help with the cost of her funeral and hopefully help her children out afterwards. At the young age of 40 her life was taken from her. As everyone can imagine, no one was prepared for this. We do not want her children to be burdened with the stress of the costs to bury their mother.
“She is a mother, a sister, an aunt and an amazing friend. She wore her heart on her sleeve and was always more than willing to help anyone. She had a huge heart and will forever be missed. If you cannot help please consider sharing this post. Everything helps.”
An obituary for Fournier has now been published through the Miron-Wilson Funeral Home in Timmins.
It said she was the mother of three children, and was proud of her career as a PSW. Fournier "loved working with her patients," said the obituary. "Graduating college was one of her many great accomplishments."
A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 14 at the Miron-Wilson Funeral Home.
