Family members and first responders placed photographs of the missing on easels before the start of the press conference, which was held in a room in Credit Union Square in Dauphin.
A shadow has hung over this community since the collision. We lost 16 mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and grandparents who worked for decades to build the community we know today. They disappeared instantly, said Jeff Asmundson, superintendent of Manitoba’s RCMP West District.
First responders and victims’ families at the RCMP press conference.
Photo: Radio Canada/Cedrick Noufele
The victims were between 68 and 88 years old. Along with the names of those who disappeared, RCMP spokesmen also read out messages from the families paying tribute to them.
Here is a list of the victims, along with messages that loved ones chose to release, as they appear in the RCMP press release:
- Louis Bretecher, 81 years old. “Proud Husband, Father and Grandpa who we love so much. He will be missed forever and will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. The other grieving families are in our hearts. We ask that the media respect our family’s privacy at this difficult time. »
- Margaret Furkalow, 82 years old. “Forever in our hearts. “
- Vangie Gilchrist, 83 years old. By Gilbert Plains. »
- Ann Hill, 81 years old. “Rest in Peace Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, my sister. »
- Helen Kufley, 88. “We are heartbroken by this tragedy and the loss of our living Mother Baba and Great Baba. She was and remains the cornerstone of our family, the one we always turn to for advice and wisdom, and we will miss her terribly. Many thanks to all first responders for their incredible work and to the city of Dauphin for their compassion. »
- Arlene Lindquist, 68. “A mother, a grandmother, a loving friend. »
- Dianne Medwid, 70 years old.
- Nettie Nakonechny, 87 years old. “Longtime resident of Dauphin, former teacher and ‘Baba’ not only to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren but to many others who knew her. She was very proud of her Ukrainian culture. She will be missed by all who loved her. »
- Shirley Novalkowski, 76 years old. “A mother, a grandmother, a loving sister. »
- Frank Perzylo, 82 years old.
- Rose Perzylo, 80 years old.
- Jean Rosary, 82 years old.
- Donna Showdra, 79. “She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. »
- Lillian Stobbe, 73 years old. “A mother, grandma, a loving friend. »
- Patsy Zamrykut, 88.
- Claudia Zurba, 87 years old. “Your life has been a blessing. Your memory is a treasure. You were loved beyond words and we miss you beyond measure. She was our mother, our grandma, our great-grandma, our great-grandma. we will love you forever On that day, June 15, 2023, our hearts broke.”
A minute’s silence was held to honor the victims. We will remember you, said Jeff Asmundson, superintendent of Manitoba’s RCMP West District.
Among the first responders who were at the scene of the accident, Prime Minister Heather Stefanson and Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak attended the press conference.
David Bosiak said last week the city felt a real sense of gloom and sadness upon hearing the news.
Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak recognizes the support he has received as his city is gripped by the Carberry Road tragedy.
Photo: Radio Canada / Chelsea Kemp
The next days, weeks and months will be difficult. “We have lost many family members, friends and neighbors,” Mr. Bosiak added.
“However, I know we will never forget them, and as we grieve, I am confident that we will continue to support one another and remember all the good these wonderful people have done for us.”
– A quote from David Bosiak, Mayor of Dauphin
The whole province mourns. We have to support these families. It doesn’t stop today. We want to make sure we’re there for them, no matter what they need,” Prime Minister Heather Stefanson said.
On Thursday, RCMP Superintendent Rob Lasson provided some additional details on the investigation’s progress. Both drivers were found to be in possession of a valid driver’s license. He said the mechanical assessment was still ongoing and officers were waiting for the injuries to improve so they could speak to them as part of the investigation.
Superintendent Rob Lasson speaks to the press at a news conference Thursday after the RCMP announced the identity of the victims of the Carberry crash.
Photo: Radio Canada / Chelsea Kemp
On Thursday, just before noon, a semi-truck collided with a paratransit vehicle carrying about 25 people near Carberry on the Trans-Canada Highway.
The 25 passengers were mostly seniors from the Dauphin region in the west of the province. They were on their way to the Sand Hills Casino, just minutes from the crash site.
Fifteen of them died and ten people were hospitalized. On Tuesday, one of the ten people hospitalized after the collision succumbed to his injuries. The number of accidents is therefore 16 dead and 9 injured.
Of the nine hospitalized victims, four are still in intensive care.
A vigil is planned for Thursday evening in Dauphin to commemorate the victims. It will take place at 7 p.m. in the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium.