Canadian authorities in the Caribbean are looking into the violent death of a Quebec City man vacationing in the Dominican Republic.
Canada's Foreign Affairs Department confirmed the man was killed around New Year's Eve, and said consular officials on the island country are gathering details from local authorities.
In Canada, Quebec media outlets have identified the 41-year old victim as Jean Gagné.
The Journal de Montréal reported Monday that Gagné was in the Dominican Republic on a last-minute sun trip with a friend. They were vacationing in a private villa at Sosua, on the north coast just west of Puerto Plata, when they were attacked in the middle of the night by two men.
There are conflicting reports about whether the attack took place on Dec. 30, 31 or Jan. 1.
Gagné was found dead in his room and his friend was found tied and bound in the next room. Gagné's friend told Quebec television network TVA that he heard gunshots from the room.
CBC News contacted national authorities in the Dominican Republic, but there was no one available to comment on the matter.
Canada's Foreign Affairs Department website warns travellers that the crime rate has increased in the Dominican Republic and that travellers should take precautions. The U.S. State Department also warns the Caribbean island is dangerous, and armed criminals may use force if they meet resistance.