Roger La Brie died of asphyxiation while attempting to save the lives of his children and their friend during a fire which gutted his home on 2 January 1976. Mr. La Brie detected the fire, awakened his wife and they left the building. Mr. La Brie re-entered the house to arouse the others, braving the
intense heat and smoke. He managed to reach the children's bedroom but collapsed because of the smoke. His body and that of the children were recovered when firemen arrived on the scene.