Canadian health authorities have launched an investigation following the deaths of two plasma donors at private clinics in Winnipeg, Manitoba, including a 22-year-old Nigerian international student.
The deceased student, Rodiyat Alabede, reportedly died after experiencing complications during a plasma donation procedure. According to reports, the incident occurred at a clinic operated by Grifols, which manages several plasma collection centres across Canada.
The investigation is being overseen by Health Canada, the federal agency responsible for regulating health services and products in the country. Officials confirmed that the department received mandatory reports from the clinics after two fatal adverse reactions linked to procedures carried out in October 2025 and January 2026.
Both facilities involved are located in Winnipeg, where Grifols operates plasma donation centres as part of its wider network of 17 clinics nationwide. Following the reports, federal inspectors were sent to the locations to examine the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
Friends and members of the Nigerian community in Winnipeg identified one of the victims as Alabede, a young student pursuing studies to become a social worker. She was said to be actively involved in the local Muslim Nigerian community and was widely remembered by friends as a compassionate and supportive person.
According to Stephanie Holfeld, Alabede became unresponsive during the donation process and died shortly afterwards. However, authorities emphasised that investigations are ongoing and that a direct link between the procedure and her death has not yet been formally established.
The identity of the second donor who died has not been released due to privacy regulations. Both the medical examiner’s office and federal health authorities said further investigative steps are still underway.
In a statement, Grifols expressed condolences to the families of the deceased donors. The company stated that it currently has no evidence suggesting that the deaths were caused by the plasma donation procedures. It added that donors typically undergo comprehensive health screenings before being approved to donate.
The firm also confirmed that the incidents were reported within the legally required 72-hour window and that it has initiated its own internal investigation.
Plasma donation involves drawing blood from a donor, separating the plasma component, and returning the remaining red blood cells back into the bloodstream. In countries such as Canada and the United States, the process is often used by students and low-income earners as a way to earn extra income.
