Lafayette Oil Worker Shot & Killed in Venezuela

Posted: Feb 7, 2012 11:45 PM by Jim Hummel
Updated: Feb 7, 2012 11:46 PM

A Lafayette oil worker on the job in Venezuela was killed by a stray bullet last month, his family says.

36 year old Craig Cormier was in Carupano, Venezuela, working for InterMoor Inc. as a vessel coordinator. His wife Edna tells KATC that on the night of January 27, her husband and a coworker were walking to their hotel when they encountered a group of locals in a heated argument and one of those individuals pulled out a gun.

"The gun went off and my husband was trying to run, and the bullet hit my husband in the head," said Edna Cormier. "It killed him instantly."

The Cormier's would have celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary next week, but instead Edna has been busy planning her husband's funeral. Craig's body arrived back in Acadiana on Monday and a viewing is set for Friday night from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Melancon Funeral Home in Carencro. The viewing will continue Saturday at True Vine Ministries starting at 8:00 a.m. until funeral services at 1:00 p.m.

In addition to his wife, Craig Cormier also leaves behind three step-children, who considered him their dad.

"My step-dad was an amazing person," said Maya Bobinox. "I'm going to miss everything about him, his laugh his smile."

As for the investigation into Craig's death, Edna says she's heard reports that one person is under arrest in the case. While she wants justice for her husband's death, even in her time of grief, she forgives the man accused of taking her husband's life.

"I forgive him, I feel sorry for him," she said.

Jim Hummel