The mother of former Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe was found in the snow outside a Montreal seniors’ residence, after getting locked out following a fire alarm early Sunday.

(Lux Governor Residence/CBC)

The alarm sent off at 4:15 a.m. when the temperature was -19 celsius.

According to the fire department, 100 people were forced outside when carbon monoxide was detected.

They were allowed back into the building by 6:20 a.m. .

The body of 93-year-old Helene Rowley Hotte, who likely died from hypothermia, was found at 11:45 a.m.

Police say it appears she heard the alarm, but given her hearing problems did not understand the announcement that her building, one of three in the complex, was not being evacuated.

She left through the back door which locked behind her.

Police say since the death is not considered as a criminal case it will be handled by the coroner’s office.

Duceppe has not commented.