Manitoba musician, partner dead in highway crash
Indie pop band Royal Canoe says bass player Brendan Berg died in the crash a day before his 43rd birthday, along with Olivia Michalczuk.
RCMP say they responded to a head-on crash on Tuesday afternoon north of Swan River, in western Manitoba.
They say a southbound vehicle veered over the centre line and hit another vehicle that's believed to have been parked, causing it to roll over.
Police say two men in the southbound vehicle suffered critical injuries, while a 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old female passenger in the other vehicle died in hospital.
Royal Canoe said on social media that Berg's death has left an 'enormous and sudden hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.'
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'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 wrote.
'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.'
The band offered condolences to the families of Berg and Michalczuk.
'Olivia's energy and enthusiasm brought out the best in Brendan, and her passing is equally as devastating to try to understand.'
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025.
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Global News
an hour ago
- Global News
Manitoba musician, partner dead in highway crash
The bassist for a Winnipeg band and his partner are dead after a Canada Day crash on a Manitoba highway. Indie pop band Royal Canoe says bass player Brendan Berg died in the crash a day before his 43rd birthday, along with Olivia Michalczuk. RCMP say they responded to a head-on crash on Tuesday afternoon north of Swan River, in western Manitoba. They say a southbound vehicle veered over the centre line and hit another vehicle that's believed to have been parked, causing it to roll over. Police say two men in the southbound vehicle suffered critical injuries, while a 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old female passenger in the other vehicle died in hospital. View image in full screen Royal Canoe bassist Brendan Berg, as seen in a social media post by the Winnipeg band Wednesday about the fatal crash. Facebook / Royal Canoe Royal Canoe said on social media that Berg's death has left an 'enormous and sudden hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.' Story continues below advertisement '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 wrote. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy '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.' The band offered condolences to the families of Berg and Michalczuk. 'Olivia's energy and enthusiasm brought out the best in Brendan, and her passing is equally as devastating to try to understand.'
Globe and Mail
11 hours ago
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Manitoba musician, partner dead in highway crash near Swan River
The bassist for a Winnipeg band and his partner are dead after a Canada Day crash on a Manitoba highway. Indie pop band Royal Canoe says bass player Brendan Berg died in the crash a day before his 43rd birthday, along with Olivia Michalczuk. RCMP say they responded to a head-on crash on Tuesday afternoon north of Swan River, in western Manitoba. They say a southbound vehicle veered over the centre line and hit another vehicle that's believed to have been parked, causing it to roll over. Police say two men in the southbound vehicle suffered critical injuries, while a 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old female passenger in the other vehicle died in hospital. Royal Canoe said on social media that Berg's death has left an 'enormous and sudden hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.' '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 wrote. '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.' The band offered condolences to the families of Berg and Michalczuk. 'Olivia's energy and enthusiasm brought out the best in Brendan, and her passing is equally as devastating to try to understand.'
Winnipeg Free Press
11 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoba musician, partner dead in highway crash
SWAN RIVER – The bassist for a Winnipeg band and his partner are dead after a Canada Day crash on a Manitoba highway. Indie pop band Royal Canoe says bass player Brendan Berg died in the crash a day before his 43rd birthday, along with Olivia Michalczuk. RCMP say they responded to a head-on crash on Tuesday afternoon north of Swan River, in western Manitoba. They say a southbound vehicle veered over the centre line and hit another vehicle that's believed to have been parked, causing it to roll over. Police say two men in the southbound vehicle suffered critical injuries, while a 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old female passenger in the other vehicle died in hospital. Royal Canoe said on social media that Berg's death has left an 'enormous and sudden hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.' Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. '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 wrote. '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.' The band offered condolences to the families of Berg and Michalczuk. 'Olivia's energy and enthusiasm brought out the best in Brendan, and her passing is equally as devastating to try to understand.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025.
