A Nation in Mourning: Quebec Archaeologists Killed in Lisbon Tragedy
Tragedy has struck both Quebec and the global archaeological community with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of André Bergeron and Blandine Daux, two of the province’s most respected cultural historians and preservationists. The pair were among 16 lives lost in a horrific streetcar accident in Lisbon, Portugal. The news has left family, colleagues, and a wide circle of admirers devastated, struggling to comprehend how two people so dedicated to preserving the past could themselves become part of such a tragic history.
André and Blandine weren’t just experts in their field—they were pillars of Quebec’s Culture Department, devoting decades of their lives to uncovering, protecting, and honoring the region’s cultural heritage. Their work transcended the confines of museums and archives; it breathed life into stories that would have otherwise faded with time.
Champions of Culture and Compassion
André and Blandine were widely regarded not only for their expertise in archaeology but for their profound humility and warmth. Their colleagues describe them as individuals who always made time for others—mentoring young archaeologists, collaborating across disciplines, and championing causes that protected Indigenous and historical sites across Canada and abroad.
In a moving tribute, Quebec Premier François Legault expressed his heartfelt condolences, noting that the province had lost “two of its brightest lights in the cultural world.” He emphasized that their impact would endure for generations, etched into every artifact they preserved and every historical narrative they helped shape.
Friends remember André as a gentle storyteller who found poetry in pottery shards, and Blandine as a tireless advocate for the forgotten voices of history. The bond between them—professionally and personally—made them a dynamic force in the realm of cultural preservation. They often joked that they were “digging through time together,” uncovering truths layer by layer.
A Shocking End to Lives Full of Purpose
The streetcar accident in Lisbon, which claimed 16 lives in total, occurred during what was supposed to be a brief research trip. They were reportedly en route to a cultural site when the vehicle lost control on a steep hill, ultimately crashing with devastating force. Portuguese authorities are still investigating the incident, and the identities of the other victims have not yet been publicly released.
Back in Quebec, candles have been lit outside the Culture Department, and tributes continue to pour in from museums, universities, and historical societies around the world. Plans are underway for a joint memorial service to honor their lives, and a scholarship fund in their names is being considered to support students in archaeology and cultural studies.
Though their lives were cut tragically short, the legacy of André Bergeron and Blandine Daux remains immeasurable. Their work helped connect us to our roots. Their kindness helped shape the people around them. Their memory will forever be a monument to the love they had for history—and for each other.
Rest in peace, André and Blandine. Your light continues through the stories you uncovered and the lives you touched.