Alexandra Martine Diengo Lumbayi was a 21-year-old Congolese woman with an extraordinary story. She was a sweet young woman with a passion for life. Though not widely known on TikTok, she often posted videos sharing her love for Jesus. She also had a deep interest in photography and modeling. She was born in Cameroon and partially raised in Congo before studying in South Africa. Her mother, Rosemine, eventually sent her to Canada for university, hoping to provide Alexandra with a brighter future than she had experienced. Alexandra was her mother’s only child, born when her mother was around 17 years old, and their bond was incredibly strong. Their motto was, “Alex et maman contre le monde entier.”— “Alex and Mom against the rest of the world.”
Determined to shield Alexandra from hardship, her mother made sacrifices to ensure she had the best education. Canada represented a land of opportunity and peace, far removed from the social and political instability that has challenged Congo over the last 25 years. Many Congolese students, like Alexandra, leave their country searching for safety and academic achievement in countries like Canada, the U.S., and others.
The last time anyone saw Alexandra was on Oct. 2, 2024, at Île Saint-Quentin in Quebec. She had gone to withdraw money sent by her father for rent, but she never returned. People began sharing photos two days later, pleading for assistance in finding her. It wasn’t until Alexandra’s mother made a heartfelt video on TikTok, which quickly went viral, that the community mobilized. The call to action resonated deeply, especially within the Congolese and broader African communities, who felt a collective responsibility to help locate their “African sister.” While the police were involved, many expressed concerns about the lack of urgency in their response.
The night before Alexandra’s body was found, a report of a girl’s screams went uninvestigated by the police. Instead, members of the Congolese community continued the search. Tragically, on Oct. 8, a call came in reporting a body in the river, and it was soon confirmed to be Alexandra. News of her death spread rapidly across social media, with live updates shared by people at the scene on TikTok. As her mother expressed, “I am not yet grieving; I will start when justice is done for my daughter.”
The Congolese ambassador in Canada requested an autopsy, but as of now, no results have been released, raising questions about whether Alexandra’s status as a non-Canadian influenced the investigation. Her mother left devastated in Congo, received support from the president, who promised to ensure that Alexandra’s body would be returned home. Toward the end of October, Alexandra’s mother arrived in Canada. In an emotional visit, she went to her daughter’s apartment, and a mass was held by the international student community in Quebec in Alexandra’s honor. Though the police noted that the roommate was cooperating in the investigation, her treatment of Alexandra’s mother seemed distant and unsupportive, adding to the emotional weight of the visit. She did not give the mother enough time in her daughter’s room to grieve.
During the initial search, questions also arose about Alexandra’s roommate, as they appeared distant, leading to further speculation. Many people took to TikTok live streams to share stories and statements about Alexandra’s life, some true and others unverified. A mix of accurate and false details circulated without official information, blurring the lines between fact and rumor.
This tragic event has been a wake-up call for international students, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities they may face while far from home. As strangers in a foreign land, international students can feel isolated and may even be more susceptible to harm. Families who make tremendous sacrifices for their children’s education hope to hear stories of success, not tragedy. Alexandra’s story is a reminder of the importance of staying connected and vigilant.
For students abroad, safety must be a priority. Share your location with trusted friends, maintain regular communication with family, and be aware of your surroundings. The international student community must support one another and cultivate a culture of care and vigilance. By doing so, we honor Alexandra’s memory and work towards a safer environment for all students pursuing their dreams far from home.
