Calgary woman stranded in Mexico after husband’s death during diving trip

A Calgary woman is struggling to return home after her husband died while diving in Mexico, leaving her stranded and facing financial hardship.

Glenn Boyd, 56, died on Dec. 20 while diving with his wife, Christine, in Playa del Carmen. Christine says Glenn began to struggle as they were surfacing, and despite the efforts of herself and a dive instructor, he could not be revived.

“I could tell he was struggling to breathe when we were going up, and we just couldn’t get him out of the water in time,” Christine Boyd said.

The couple had travelled to Mexico on Dec. 15 and were scheduled to return on Dec. 27. Since Glenn’s death, Christine has struggled with Mexican authorities to have Glenn’s remains returned to her with a death certificate.

“Payment has been put 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 her $6,500 to pay for his ashes and a certificate, which she still has not seen.

The flight was booked through travel group Expedia, with flights provided by WestJet.

Boyd says she contacted both prior to her return date, as well as her husband’s credit provider, but his death complicated the compensation process.

The credit provider won’t let her access his card.

Christine’s daughter, Meagan Grabst, launched a GoFundMe campaign raising more than $16,500 to help her mother with the unexpected expenses, including hotel stays, transportation, cremation costs, an eventual flight home and a future memorial service in Calgary.

“It’s just been one expense after another, and trying to really keep up with that and get mom home,” Grabst said.

“There was no compassion, no nothing. When I called them and told them my father passed away on a trip he purchased through them, they did not care.”

Christine says she is overwhelmed by the support she has received from friends and family.

“I know that Glenn was always helping other people, but it took me by surprise how many there actually were that cared about him,” she said. “I’m going to turn around and he’s going to be there.”

Christine is urging travel companies to be more compassionate and understanding in similar situations.

“I would hate to guess what other people go through, and I would hope that nobody has to go through this again,” she said.

When CTV News reached out to Expedia for comment, the company confirmed it would reimburse Boyd for her return trip.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the Boyd family during this time,” the statement from an Expedia spokesperson read.

“During our investigation, we contacted WestJet, and their policy states bereavement fares are available only through the airline directly. In most circumstances, we follow our partner’s policies when it comes to these matters, however, given the situation and the experience, we will be providing a refund for the return trip ticket to Ms. Boyd to help during this time.”

Expedia says it is trying to connect with Boyd to confirm this.

As for WestJet, it is helping Boyd rearrange a flight back to Calgary at no cost when she is ready to return.

“When the guest receives the death certificate from the Mexican officials, she will be able to request an Exceptional Circumstance Refund for the original flights,” read the statement.