RCMP calling for caution after weekend of fatalities

The RCMP is reminding people to stay safe and encouraging vigilance after Mounties responded to four fatalities and numerous close calls this past weekend.

Many of the incidents involved youth and happened in a period of less than 40 hours, said RCMP in a news release Monday, including two presumed drownings and two motor-vehicle deaths. 

“The death of any young person is a tragedy that devastates their families, friends and entire communities. We offer our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by these tragedies,” said RCMP spokesperson Melanie Roussel in a news release.

“We know summers in Manitoba have so much to offer, but we are urging everyone to take precautions and make safe choices — whether you are on the water, on the road or riding off-road.”

At approximately 3:40 a.m. Saturday, an 18-year-old Dauphin man was killed after RCMP said it appears his vehicle lost control and hit the ditch while rounding a corner on Highway 20 near Road 156 North in the Rural Municipality of Dauphin.

Later Saturday at around 12:40 p.m. RCMP responded to a presumed drowning of two boys, ages 10 and 13, after they fell into fast-moving rapids at Nutimik Lake In Whiteshell Provincial Park. Search efforts for the two boys continue.

Approximately two hours later, RCMP were called to a collision in Oak Lake in the RM of Sifton where a 16-year-old Virden boy was killed after RCMP said he hit an unmarked guy-wire while dirt biking with friends.

On Sunday night, at around 9:30 p.m. RCMP said an 18-year-old never resurfaced while swimming at a gravel pit in the RM of Hanover. His body was recovered by the RCMP underwater recovery team Monday afternoon.

Other close calls include an off-road vehicle rollover in the RM of De Salaberry which injured three kids; two teenage girls and nine year old boy, sending them to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

A 47-year-old man was also taken to hospital with what appeared to be serious injuries after he lost control of his motorcycle on the off-ramp into Portage la Prairie, but he was later upgraded to stable condition.