A Calgary woman is struggling to return home after her husband died while diving in Mexico, leaving her stranded and facing financial difficulties.
Glenn Boyd, 56, died Dec. 20 while diving with his wife, Christine, in Playa del Carmen. Christine says Glenn began struggling as they surfaced and despite her and a diving instructor’s efforts, they were unable to revive him.
“I noticed he was having a hard time breathing when we were coming up and we just couldn’t get him out of the water in time,” Christine Boyd said.
The couple had traveled to Mexico on December 15 and planned to return on December 27. Since Glenn’s death, Christine has fought with Mexican authorities to have Glenn’s remains returned with a death certificate.
“The payment went through and I’m still sitting here,” she said.
“I’m starting to run out of my own money.”
Glenn Boyd was 56 years old. (Courtesy: Christine Boyd)
It cost him $6,500 to pay for his ashes and a certificate, which he has not yet seen.
The flight was booked through travel group Expedia, with flights provided by WestJet.
Boyd says she contacted both of them before her return date, as well as her husband’s credit provider, but his death complicated the compensation process.
The credit provider will not allow you to access your card.
Christine’s daughter, Meagan Grabst, launched a GoFundMe campaign raising more than $16,500 to help her mother with unexpected expenses, including hotel stays, transportation, cremation costs, an eventual flight home and a future memorial service in Calgary .
“It’s been one expense after another, and trying to keep up with that and bring mom home,” Grabst said.
“There was no sympathy, no nothing. When I called them and told them my father passed away on a trip he purchased through them, they didn’t care.”
Christine says she is overwhelmed by the support she has received from friends and family.
“I know Glenn was always helping other people, but I was surprised how many people really cared about him,” she said. “I’m going to turn around and he’ll be there.”
Christine urges travel companies to be more compassionate and understanding in similar situations.
“I would hate to have to guess what other people go through and I hope no one has to go through this again,” he said.
When CTV News contacted Expedia for comment, the company confirmed it would reimburse Boyd for his return trip.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the Boyd family during this time,” the statement from an Expedia spokesperson said.
“During our investigation, we contacted WestJet, and their policy states that bereavement fares are only available directly through the airline. In most circumstances, we follow our partners’ policies when it comes to these matters; However, given the situation and experience, we will provide a refund for the return ticket to Ms. Boyd to assist her during this time.
Expedia says it is trying to connect with Boyd to confirm this.
As for WestJet, it is helping Boyd rearrange a return flight to Calgary at no cost when she is ready to return.
“When the guest receives the death certificate from the Mexican authorities, they may request an Exceptional Circumstances Refund for the original flights,” the statement reads.
