Tom Borsa, whose daughter Maya, 18, was one of the four individuals killed in a tragic highway collision on Sunday evening, expressed profound grief, labeling the experience as a nightmare. The fatal incident occurred on Highway 8 near Winnipeg Beach, approximately 60 kilometers north of Winnipeg, where Maya and her friends were struck by a van. Besides Maya, two other 18-year-olds and a 17-year-old lost their lives in the same vehicle. Borsa shared that Maya and her friends had gone out for ice cream and were en route to drop her off at home from Sandy Hook, just north of the crash site.
In a heart-wrenching statement, Borsa described the tragedy as senseless, emphasizing that the young victims, two boys and two girls, had promising futures ahead of them. He highlighted their aspirations for education and meaningful careers. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that the fatal collision occurred when the vehicle, traveling westbound on Provincial Road 229, attempted to cross the highway and was struck by a southbound van.
Tragically, the recent incident adds to a grim statistic, with seventeen fatalities recorded from collisions on Highway 8 over the past five years, as per RCMP data. Borsa, overwhelmed with grief, called for immediate safety improvements at the intersection to prevent further tragedies. Meanwhile, Winnipeg Beach Mayor Terry Calof advocated for the installation of a 24/7 flashing red light at the intersection to enhance visibility during adverse weather conditions, such as thunderstorms and seasonal fog.
The local council plans to pay tribute to the victims by observing a minute of silence during an upcoming meeting. Haylee MacKay, speaking on behalf of Chloe Vermette’s family, echoed the urgent need for highway improvements to prevent future accidents. She remembered Chloe for her vibrant personality and unwavering ambition.
Expressing his deep sorrow, Borsa reminisced about Maya’s love for animals and her dream of becoming a veterinarian, a passion that resonated with her family. He fondly recalled her caring nature, generosity, and popularity among friends and neighboring communities. Despite the profound loss, Borsa finds solace in cherishing Maya’s memory and spirit, emphasizing her enduring impact on everyone who knew her.
