1 week ago
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"Had a bit of a health scare last night, but thankfully it wasn’t a heart attack. Not sure what it was, though, because once they made sure I wasn’t dying, I was thrown out into the waiting room and, six hours later, I said f*ck it and went home. Canadian health care, folks. Best in the world. I’ll have to shave the rest of my chest, I guess."
This was the last post Adam Burgoyne shared on X (formerly Twitter) just hours before his sudden passing on December 6, 2024, from a ruptured aneurysm. While the flaws of American healthcare often dominate headlines, the tragic death of reveal that Canada’s healthcare and social systems are grappling with their own life-and-death failures. A man known for his sharp wit and spirit, Adam’s tragic death has left a community mourning and has reignited debate over the shortcomings of Canada’s healthcare system.
What Caused Adam’s Death?
Adam’s passing was reportedly caused by an aneurysm, a localized weakening of an artery wall that can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding if it ruptures. Aneurysms often develop without symptoms and are rarely diagnosed without specific screening or imaging. This silent nature makes them particularly dangerous, as individuals can go about their lives unaware of the ticking time bomb inside them.
The rupture of Adam’s aneurysm was sudden and catastrophic. Despite his visit to the emergency room with symptoms concerning enough to warrant immediate attention, the triage process determined that his condition was not urgent. After being assessed and ruled out for a heart attack, Adam spent hours waiting for further care before leaving without answers.
Contributing Factors to His Death
Adam’s death highlights a series of systemic healthcare failures that contributed to the tragic outcome:
1. Missed Diagnosis:
Emergency room staff focused on ruling out a heart attack, which left the true cause of his symptoms undetected. Aneurysms often present subtly, with symptoms like chest pain or discomfort that can mimic other conditions, making them easy to miss without thorough testing.
2. Lack of Preventative Screening:
Canada currently does not have universal screening programs for conditions like aneurysms, despite their proven ability to save lives. Research has shown that one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in adults over 65 significantly reduces mortality, but such initiatives are not widely implemented.
3. Overburdened Emergency Rooms:
Adam’s experience of spending six hours in a waiting room before leaving in frustration is all too common in Canada’s strained healthcare system. Long wait times and overwhelmed healthcare staff often lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Who was Adam Burgoyne?
A tribute to him read: "On December 6, 2024, our beautiful son, brother, and uncle Adam suddenly left this earth. His many family and friends will miss his sarcastic humor, quick wit, deeply felt convictions, remarkable intellect, and his way of cutting through any stormy situation to reveal the heart of what truly matters. From a young age, Adam pursued his interests with extraordinary depth, teaching himself to play piano, compose classical music, program computers, craft chef-worthy meals for loved ones, and learn French so fluently that he was often mistaken for a native Quebecker. Adam never did anything halfway—he was always all in.”
The tribute continued: “He loved to laugh and never failed to make us giggle with nostalgic quotes from an eclectic mix of 90s cartoons, Monty Python, MadTV, childhood memories, and hilariously absurd memes. Adam worked tirelessly to overcome difficult times, achieving a loving relationship, a flourishing career, and impressive fitness milestones. On October 12, 2024, he proudly celebrated six years of sobriety and dedicated himself to helping others on their recovery journeys. We were, and remain, incredibly proud of him. On the cusp of his 40th birthday, an aneurysm tragically took him from us. Adam is survived by his loving parents, Myrna and Bruce, and his adoring family: brother Jason (Carla, Andrew, Emma, and Grayson), and sisters Shelley (Jonathan, Benjamin, and Sophie Amyotte) and Whitney (Jérémy and Owen Bamas). He is lovingly remembered by family and friends from near and far. We will carry on with his spirit, demanding the same high convictions he lived by. We will carry on without him reluctantly, but steadfastly. We will miss him and love him deeply until the end of time."
His life was characterized by relentless curiosity and deep convictions, as beautifully chronicled by Holly MathNerd in her Substack tribute, The Border Only Love Can Cross. Adam passed away suddenly on December 6, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and uncompromising authenticity.
Adam’s intellectual and creative pursuits were diverse and remarkable. A self-taught classical composer, pianist, and coder, he also mastered culinary arts and spoke French so fluently that he was often mistaken for a native Quebecker. His talent for cooking and teaching shined during visits with friends, where he shared meals, laughter, and lessons in both food and life.
Publicly, Adam was known for his brave advocacy on social media, particularly as a critic of gender ideology and a defender of childhood innocence. Privately, he was a deeply compassionate and joyful person who overcame significant challenges, including a history of addiction. Adam proudly celebrated six years of sobriety in October 2024, a testament to his dedication and transformation.
Holly’s tribute vividly recounts Adam’s kindness, humor, and ability to connect deeply. From hiking Vermont trails and sharing mathematical conversations to creating inside jokes and baking postcard-worthy pies, Adam enriched the lives of those he loved. His visits were filled with moments of care and spontaneity, such as teaching Holly to make sauces from scratch or meticulously assembling a LEGO haunted house together.
Adam found profound happiness in his relationship with his fiancé, A.J., whom he adored and respected deeply. Holly’s essay captures Adam’s excitement and gratitude for their love, as well as his dreams of building a stable, joyful future with A.J.
As Holly reflects, Adam embodied the principle of carpe diem, living fully and lovingly in every moment. He leaves behind a family who cherished him, friends who admired him, and a fiancé who shared his dreams. Though his sudden passing from an aortic aneurysm leaves unanswered questions, Adam’s memory continues to inspire those who knew him.
Reactions
A Broken System
Adam’s story is emblematic of the cracks in Canada’s universal healthcare system. While the system ensures access to care, delays in diagnostics, overburdened emergency departments, and a lack of preventative care measures can lead to devastating outcomes.
The lack of early detection programs for aneurysms is particularly concerning. Simple imaging tests, like ultrasounds or CT scans, could have identified Adam’s condition before it became fatal. Advocates argue that investing in
preventative screening programs
could save lives and reduce strain on emergency services.
Adam’s life was marked by resilience, humour, and a deep love for the people around him. As his obituary poignantly stated:
"Hug your loved ones, take life one day at a time, bake bread, and buy the fancy cheese."
His passing serves as both a personal tragedy and a national wake-up call. Adam’s friends and family hope his story will inspire reforms in Canada’s healthcare system, ensuring that others won’t have to endure the same fate.
English (US) · 