The word tragedy has been used a lot over the last week.

 

But never has that word had as much meaning as it does when we look at these photographs.

 

There has been a cloud over this community since the collision occurred.

 

We lost 16 people who were mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, whose decades of contributions helped make this community what it is. They were gone in an instant.

 

And 9 more remain in hospital with serious injuries being tended to by dedicated health care professionals.

 

Hearts are broken, families are grieving, a community is feeling immeasurable loss.

 

The communities of Carberry and Dauphin will be forever connected.

 

First responders who were at the scene are making their way through the enormity of what occurred.

 

The main thing that has helped me cope through everything that has happened is how everyone came together – the passing motorists at the scene, Rural Fire departments, EMS, Police, Mental health workers, community members, local churches and of course the victim’s families.

 

Supports were put in place for the family right away. Offers for assistance and support for this tragedy showed the compassion of Manitobans and Canadians.

 

I was there with the families, on that first day, as they awaited news on their loved one and having no idea what to expect.

 

At the scene, people came from all over to assist.

 

Officers at the Dauphin Detachment and Major Crime Services came in after their shifts to answer the phones, even though they couldn’t tell people what they wanted to hear – where their loved ones were.

 

We knew it was important that there was a voice on the end of the phone when those families called us.

 

The impact of this loss will be felt for a long time to come.

 

Shortly, we are going to read the names of those who did not make it home from what was supposed to be a fun outing with friends.

 

Some families have provided a small message about their loved one that will be read after their name:

 

• Louis Bretecher, 81, Proud and beloved Husband, Father, and Pepere. He will forever be missed and always remembered by all who knew and loved him. Our hearts lay also with those families who are grieving alongside ours. We request that our family’s privacy be respected by the media during this difficult time.

 

• Margaret Furkalo, 82, Forever in our hearts.

 

• Vangie Gilchrist, 83, of Gilbert Plains.

 

• Ann Hill, 81, Rest in peace Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister.

 

• Helen Kufley, 88, We are heartbroken and numb by this tragedy and the loss of our vibrant mother, Baba and Great Baba. She was and always will be the cornerstone of our family, the one we always went to for advice and wisdom, and we will miss her terribly. Thank you to all the first responders for their incredible work and the city of Dauphin for their caring.

 

• Arlene Lindquist, 68, Loving mother, grandmother, and friend.

 

• Dianne Medwid, 70

 

• Nettie Nakonechny, 87, A long-time resident of Dauphin, former school teacher, and Baba to not only her own 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 of us who loved her.

 

• Shirley Novalkowski, 76, Loving Mother, Grandmother, and Sister.

 

• Frank Perzylo, 82

 

• Rose Perzylo, 80

 

• Jean Rosenkranz, 82

 

• Donna Showdra, 79, She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

 

• Lillian Stobbe, 73, Loving Mother, Nana, and friend.

 

• Patsy Zamrykut, 88

 

• Claudia Zurba, 87, Your life was a blessing. Your memory is a treasure. You were loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. She was our Mom, Nana, Great Nana, Great Great Nana. Love you forever. Our hearts were shattered into pieces that day June 15, 2023.

 

We will remember.