Football Canada Mourns the Tragic Passing of Quentin “Big Q” Dorsainvil

Football Canada is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of 18-year-old football player Quentin “Big Q” Dorsainvil, who tragically passed away on September 15, 2024, in Ottawa’s Centretown.

We are saddened by the loss of this young man who was clearly loved by his teammates, coaches and friends”, said Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of Football Canada.  “Our condolences and thoughts are with his family and go out to everyone in the community that has been affected by this tragic loss”

Quentin was affectionately known as “Big Q” by his teammates and coaches. He was celebrated not only for his formidable presence on the field but also for his gentle and supportive nature off of it.

“We called him Big Q,” said Mike Schmidt, the president of the Cumberland Panthers, who also served as Dorsainvil’s coach during the 2023 summer season. “He was funny, outgoing, a gentle giant, a real team guy… [and] a force every time he stepped on the field. The football community here [in Ottawa] is a small one. This has hit all of us really hard. I’ve heard from dozens of his teammates. They’re hurting really bad.”

Quentin was a talented defensive lineman who played for both the Kanata Knights and the Cumberland Panthers. After a standout season with the Cumberland Panthers in 2023, Quentin moved to Miami to play for Miami Central High School, aiming to further his football aspirations in a new environment. He was back visiting Ottawa when the tragedy occurred.

The Kanata Knights will be accepting donations for his family at their upcoming game this Friday. Football Canada encourages community members to offer their support and stand together during this time of grief.

(H/T Faith Greco, CBC Ottawa)