WINNIPEG BEACH, Man. — A close-knit family north of Winnipeg is mourning after an 18-year-old woman and three other teenagers were killed when the vehicle they were in was struck at an intersection Sunday night, provincial RCMP say.
Crash at rural intersection leaves four dead
Mounties have identified the deceased as including Chloe Vermette, 18, whose father, Steph Delaine, described her as someone who “lived life to the fullest” and loved outdoor activities. Delaine said Vermette enjoyed quadding, camping and anything to do with vehicles — from working on them to attending car shows.
RCMP said the collision occurred near the town of Winnipeg Beach, about 80 kilometres north of Winnipeg. According to investigators, the car carrying Vermette and three other teens was travelling westbound on Highway 229 and was crossing Highway 8 when it was struck by a van travelling southbound.
Emergency crews attended the scene. All four occupants of the car were pronounced dead; RCMP did not immediately release the names of the other three teenagers. The driver of the van and any other occupants were not publicly identified by police in the initial release.
Weather being reviewed but not yet linked
Police noted that a thunderstorm was moving through the area at the time of the collision but said investigators have not been able to determine whether weather conditions were a factor in the crash. RCMP continue to examine the scene, interview witnesses and review available evidence.
“At this time, our investigators are working to put together a detailed picture of what occurred,” an RCMP spokesperson said in a statement. The force has not released further findings, and no charges have been reported.
Community reaction and family grief
In statements quoted to local media, Vermette’s father called his daughter his best friend and said she always looked out for him. The family and the wider Winnipeg Beach community have begun to gather condolences and expressions of support, while local leaders offered sympathy to those affected.
Rural Manitoba communities often rally after tragedies like this, providing practical and emotional support through local services, churches and volunteer networks. Details about funeral arrangements or memorials had not been released by the family as of the latest updates.
Safety reminders and ongoing investigation
Traffic-safety advocates note that intersections on rural highways can be especially hazardous when visibility is reduced or when adverse weather limits control of vehicles. RCMP urged drivers in the region to exercise caution and to allow extra time when moving through rural intersections in poor weather.
- Location: Intersection near Winnipeg Beach, approx. 80 km north of Winnipeg
- Roads involved: Highway 229 (westbound car) and Highway 8 (southbound van)
- Victims: Four teens killed, including Chloe Vermette, 18
- Weather: Thunderstorm passing through; role under investigation
| Detail | Known information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday night (RCMP report) |
| Vehicle movements | Car westbound on Highway 229 crossing Highway 8; hit by southbound van |
| Investigating agency | RCMP |
RCMP asked anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dash-camera footage of the area around the time of the crash to contact investigators. Those with information are urged to reach out to their local detachment to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
For families in the region, the collision is a reminder of the fragility of rural road travel and the sudden toll such events can take on small communities. As the investigative work continues, the focus for relatives and neighbours has turned to mourning and supporting the bereaved.
WE NEWS will continue to follow this story and will report further details as police release them and as the family shares arrangements.
