At least nine people are dead and officials say several others, including a Quebec doctor, are missing after an avalanche smashed into a climbing expedition on a Himalayan peak in Nepal on Sunday.

Residents of St. Jerome are expressing shock and sadness over news of 48 year old Doctor Dominique Ouimet, who is a cardiologist at the hospital. 

Resident Annette Alerie says she feels badly but also states worry about the lack of specialists now.

Officials at the St. Jerome hospital are refusing to give any interviews for the time being.

The Doctor was among a group using the expedition to raise money for the hospital's foundation.

With files from CP