‘Truly an amazing soul’

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This article was published 15/08/2023 (806 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Southern Manitoba residents are reeling after a beloved family doctor who worked in Morris was killed in a murder-suicide last weekend.

Dr. Anna Kolakowski, 65, was shot and killed by her son, Olaf Kolakowski, early Saturday morning, RCMP confirmed Wednesday, a day after refusing to do so in response to a request from the Free Press.

The doctor’s 32-year-old son also shot and injured his father, 59-year-old Mariusz Kolakowski, before turning the gun on himself, RCMP spokesman Sgt. Paul Manaigre said.

Multiple reports Tuesday indicated Kolakowski, who worked at a medical clinic at the Morris General Hospital, was killed.

A pre-recorded message left on Kolakowski’s office number confirmed her death.

“We deeply regret to inform you that Dr. Kolakowski passed away suddenly this past weekend,” a pre-recorded message left on her office phone line said. “At this time, the staff and physicians at the Morris General Hospital are in the process of working on a short-term plan for the clinic.

“Unfortunately, we will need to reschedule your appointment, as we are unable to accommodate patients at the clinic this week. Further communication will be provided as soon as possible.”

Around 12:35 a.m. Saturday, Mounties in southern Manitoba responded to reports that a 32-year-old man had shot a 65-year-old woman and wounded a 59-year-old man, RCMP said in a news release.

Officers found the Anna and Olaf Kolakowski dead at the scene. Mariusz Kolakowski was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The rural municipality is located roughly 77 kilometres south of Winnipeg.

Regional health officials refused comment Tuesday, citing privacy legislation restrictions.

RM of Morris chief administrative officer Larry Driedger also declined to comment when contacted by phone.

“As a municipality, we were saddened to hear about the tragedy that took place within our boundaries over this past weekend. Events such as this remind us of how fragile life is,” a statement on the municipality’s website said.

Anna Kolakowski, who is no longer listed on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba’s provincial registry, was previously listed as a doctor in Morris since at least September of 2020.

Lexi Lebrun, who said Kolakowski treated her and her young daughter, called the victim an “amazing doctor.”

“She was… very compassionate and went out of her way for her patients a lot. She had a dry sense of humour, and overall was a very appreciated and respected member of the town,” she said.

Adrianna Dingle-Landry, who also identified herself as a former patient, agreed.

“She was an amazing doctor, she really, truly cared for her patients.… She helped me get the help I needed and never gave up hope with me,” she said. “She was truly an amazing soul; it’s so tragic. Manitoba is already struggling with a family doctor shortage.”

Officials from Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation said Kolakowski frequently visited the community and provided medical services at the Ginew Wellness Centre.

Another murder-suicide incident left two people dead in Dauphin earlier this year.

At about 7:30 a.m. April 1, Mounties found a 68-year-old man and 67-year-old woman dead inside a home in the community, located roughly 330 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

“The autopsies have been completed and the investigation has determined that this was a homicide-suicide within a family unit. No additional information will be provided,” RCMP later told the Free Press.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca