A representative for the family of an international student who died after donating plasma at a for-profit centre in Winnipeg is calling on Health Canada to reopen its investigation into the death.
Katherine Lanteigne, a safe-blood advocate representing the family of 22-year-old Rodiyat Alabede, stated that the student suffered a sudden cardiac arrest following a donation at the Grifols centre on Taylor Avenue. Alabede died on Oct. 25, 2025.
Lanteigne and the Manitoba Health Coalition held a news conference to “correct the record” regarding the circumstances of the death. Lanteigne argued that the stress and pressure of plasma donation on a heart with Alabede’s specific condition would have been “profound.”
Medical Examiner Cites Pre-existing Condition
Manitoba’s chief medical examiner, Dr. John Younes, reported that Alabede’s cause of death was a “fatal cardiac arrhythmia arising in the setting of dilated cardiomyopathy,” also known as an enlarged heart.
In an email statement, Dr. Younes described it as “irresponsible” to definitively link the death to the donation process, calling such claims “speculative at best.” He noted that Alabede had a profoundly abnormal heart and was at an increased risk for fatal arrhythmias that could occur during any level of physical activity or stress, including sleep or driving.
While Dr. Younes stated that a subtle shift in electrolyte levels or circulating blood volume cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor, he clarified that these parameters cannot be assessed through an autopsy.
Regulatory Response and Calls for Action
The death of Alabede is one of two reported fatalities at separate Grifols locations in Winnipeg. A second person died following a donation at the Innovation Drive location in January 2026.
Health Canada concluded its investigations into both deaths in March, stating there was no connection between the donation process and the fatalities. The regulator later clarified that if an unknown or undisclosed pre-existing medical condition contributes to a fatal reaction, it is not considered related to the donation process.
In response, Lanteigne and the Manitoba Health Coalition are seeking the suspension of Grifols’ licence to collect plasma. Lanteigne also confirmed that a letter has been sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Current Status of Operations
Grifols currently operates over a dozen plasma collection centres across Canada, including two in Winnipeg where donors are paid for their plasma.
A spokesperson for federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel stated that Canada maintains “one of the safest blood systems in the world.” Health Canada spokesperson Alexandre Bergeron added that the agency has inspected Grifols and imposed strict conditions this year.
Bergeron stated that Health Canada will continue to monitor the situation and may take “any additional action necessary” to protect donors and the blood supply.
Potential Next Steps
Depending on the response to the letter sent to the Prime Minister, Health Canada could face increased pressure to review its criteria for “related” deaths. The agency may implement further conditions on Grifols’ operations or conduct additional inspections to ensure donor safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the official cause of Rodiyat Alabede’s death?
The chief medical examiner determined the cause of death was a fatal cardiac arrhythmia arising in the setting of dilated cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart).
How many deaths have been linked to Grifols centres in Winnipeg?
Two deaths were reported: one on Oct. 25, 2025, at the Taylor Avenue location and another in January 2026 at the Innovation Drive location.
What action is the Manitoba Health Coalition requesting?
The coalition is calling for Health Canada to reopen the investigation into Alabede’s death and to suspend Grifols’ licence to collect plasma.
Do you believe regulatory agencies should redefine what constitutes a “related” death when pre-existing conditions are involved?
Keep reading
