Now six months later, the three investigations looking into the carbon-monoxide-poisoning death of a 19-year-old Sudbury teen and the two officers who were first on the scene are still “ongoing,” according to the government bodies in charge: the Ontario Provincial Police, Greater Sudbury Police and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).
However, the Sudbury police’s investigation, stemming from a Chief's complaint about the two GSPS officers who were involved after the death of Roch ‘Rocco’ Renaud have been stayed “pending the outcome and results of the OPP investigation."
As yet, neither police service has provided specific information regarding the nature of the actions of the two officers which then led to their suspension and the transferring of the investigation to the OPP.
Described in his obituary as “a bright light in the lives of all who knew him, a young man whose passion, kindness, and adventurous spirit brought joy to everyone around him,” Renaud died in Lively on May 23. A postmortem conducted by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS), determined his cause of death to be Acute Carbon Monoxide Intoxication (carbon monoxide poisoning).
According to an Aug. 18 press release, GSPS received a call at approximately 8:00 p.m. that night regarding “an unresponsive individual at a residence in Lively.”
“The individual” was 19-year-old Renaud. The release states he was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The Ministry of Labour investigation into the “workplace fatality” was launched June 2, 10 days after the incident.
“It was reported that a worker was fatally injured while performing maintenance work,” read an email from the ministry at the time. Following the notification, “ministry inspectors attended the scene to investigate."
Then, almost a month later, a press release from GSPS announced the OPP would take over the investigation June 18, “at the request of GSPS.”
That’s because of a Chief’s complaint filed on June 13, meaning a professional standards bureau investigation had been initiated “into the actions of two, off-duty police officers on May 23, 2025,” stated the release.
As the allegations “have not yet been substantiated,” said the release, the officers’ names were not included. “Both officers have been suspended with pay in accordance with section 209(1) of the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA).”
The Ontario Provincial Police assumed responsibility for the death investigation “as it was determined that there is an institutional conflict of interest in accordance with Ontario Regulation 401/23 of the CSPA,” said the GSPS release.
As of Nov.18, almost six months after Renaud’s death, there isn’t much more information available.
From Janet Deline, media spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, in an email: “Our investigation remains ongoing. As such, no further details can be provided at this time.”
Media relations officer for the Nipissing West (Sudbury) OPP, Const. Rob Lewis, told Sudbury.com in an email that “the investigation is still open and ongoing and updates will be provided when they become available.”
And from GSPS media relations, Kaitlynn Dunn: “we continue to co-operate with the Ontario Provincial Police as they conduct the investigation into the death of Roch (Rocco) Renaud. The OPP investigation is ongoing,” she wrote in an email. “Once the OPP investigation has concluded, our Professional Standards Bureau will conduct an internal investigation into the conduct of the two off-duty GSPS members. Our internal investigation is stayed, pending the outcome and results of the OPP investigation.”
Lewis also directed Sudbury.com to the press release issued Aug. 18, which also asked that “anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.”
Renaud was the son of Bobby and Michèle (nee Duval) Renaud of Sudbury, his obituary states. “Dear brother of Chloé and Mia, both of Sudbury, his best friend and girlfriend Farrah Farstad, adored grandson of Gilles and Carole Duval of Garson, Gaits and Nancy Rodrigue of Sudbury and Bob Renaud “Sr”, of Sudbury. Lovingly remembered by many cousins, relatives, friends, and coaches, too many to mention,” it reads.
An avid sportsman, the obituary states that “Rocco found his greatest happiness on the ice, the fairways, the slopes, and in the great outdoors. Beyond his athletic talents, “Rocco was known for his warm heart and unwavering loyalty. He was a beloved son, a cherished friend, and a person who could light up any room,” states the obituary. “His love for life was evident in everything he did, it reads, and his presence will be “deeply missed” by all who had “the privilege” of knowing him.
“Though Rocco’s time with us was far too brief, his impact will never fade,” reads his obituary. “His memory will live on in the stories we share, the moments we treasure, and the love that will never diminish. Rest easy, Rocco. You will forever be in our hearts.”
Jenny Lamothe covers vulnerable and marginalized populations, as well as housing issues and the justice system for Sudbury.com.