Friends and family are mourning the loss of 32-year-old Gabe Beardy from Lake St. Martin. He’s been described as a man with a big heart and somebody with an infectious sense of humour.
“That’s the kind of guy he was. You met him, he’d come shake your hand. Start up a conversation with you. Say how ya doing. And the sense of humour he had, I’m sure he’d put a smile on your face.”
In the early hours of April 19th, Winnipeg police were called to the intersection of Henderson Highway and Neil Avenue after a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian.
Beardy was crossing on foot when he was struck by a vehicle. Police say he was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but later died.
Beardy leaves behind three children who live near Lake Manitoba.
His uncle, Brad Beardy, says he grew up without a father and that Gabe was like a son to him.
“I’m gonna miss those phone calls. Uncle, what are we doing tomorrow? What are we working on tomorrow? Ok comeover 10 o’clock. Did you have something to eat? Not yet. Well, I’ll cook something, get to work,” Brad explained.
Brad and Gabe had been in the city for the UFC fight at the Canada Life Centre the night before his death.
“It didn’t click in until I got home to my house here in Lake St. Martin. I pulled up my driveway. I sat in my vehicle, and that’s where it happened.”
Brad and his family want the full story as to what happened and hope someone is held accountable.
Winnipeg police say the driver immediately called 9-1-1 after the collision and remained on scene and spoke to the officers.
“We need answers. Of course, we need answers. Did he activate the lights? Did the other person involved run the light? These are things we don’t know and would like to know,” said Brad.
Winnipeg police are asking anyone with information or who may have dash cam or cell phone video around the time of the incident to call the traffic division or Crime Stoppers.
Police are continuing to investigate.