‘Inspiring force’: Royal Canoe bassist remembered after crash in Manitoba kills 3

WINNIPEG – Staples in Winnipeg’s music scene and beyond offered condolences and tributes Thursday after learning the bassist in a beloved band died in a highway crash with two others.

Indie pop band Royal Canoe, on social media, said Brendan Berg died in the crash Tuesday, a day before his 43rd birthday, along with his partner, Olivia Michalczuk.

Berg’s death has left an “enormous and sudden hole in the lives of everyone who knew him,” the post said.

“Over the last 15 years of cross-country tours, late studio nights — through the high highs and low lows, Brendan’s relentless positivity, big smile, and considerate nature were a stabilizing and inspiring force for us,” the band posted Wednesday.

“He was always the first to volunteer his time to pick up the trailer from the shop or load gear after tour. His generosity and selflessness were legendary.”

Mounties responded to the crash north of Swan River in western Manitoba, where two vehicles were found in a ditch.

RCMP said a vehicle crossed the centre line and hit a vehicle parked on the edge of the road.

They said a 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman in the parked vehicle were taken to hospital, where they died.

A 29-year-old man who was a passenger in the first vehicle later died of his injuries. The 36-year-old male driver was listed in stable condition.

Royal Canoe has been a Winnipeg favourite for more than a decade and has played shows with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

In 2014, the group received a Juno Award nomination for alternative album of the year for “Today We’re Believers.” The same year, they won best independent album at the Western Canadian Music Awards.

The band has toured with English rockers Alt-J and Bombay Bicycle Club and played major festivals, including Iceland Airwaves, Bonnaroo in Tennessee and Osheaga in Montreal.

“So sad and sorry to hear this news. Much love to you all,” the Sam Roberts Band said in a response the band’s announcement.

Songwriter Dan Mangan called the crash “absolutely tragic and devastating.”

“It’s all so fleeting. Love you, guys,” he posted. 

The Park Theatre said Berg was a fixture at the popular Winnipeg live music venue. 

“Whether on stage or in the crowd, he was always present, always smiling and always showing love for the music and community around him,” it said on social media.

Not-for-profit promoter Manitoba Music said the deaths of Berg and Michalczuk are a “deep loss.”

“Both have left an immeasurable mark on the music community and have meant so much to so many for their creativity, kindness and generosity.”

Michalczuk, also well-known in the local music scene, was a juror for the Polaris Music Prize, an annual music award that recognizes the best full-length Canadian album. 

“(Michalczuk) was a strong voice in the Polaris community, having served on the jury since 2019,” said the award group.

Royal Canoe said her energy and enthusiasm brought out the best in Berg. “Her passing is equally as devastating to try to understand.”

RCMP spokeswoman Michelle Lissel said charges could be laid against the lone survivor.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 3, 2025.