A Manitoba sheriff died Tuesday morning after the sheriff services van he was driving collided with a train on a rural road west of Portage la Prairie, leaving colleagues, family and friends mourning the loss.
Crash details and investigation
RCMP said the collision occurred on Road 40 W., north of the Trans‑Canada Highway and just west of Portage la Prairie. The driver, identified by family as Brett Matheson‑Maytwayashing, 27, died at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle was transported to hospital with minor injuries.
Authorities said the RCMP are investigating the collision alongside Workplace Safety and Health and CN police. No further details about the cause of the crash or the train’s movement have been released.
Family and community reaction
Family members described Matheson‑Maytwayashing as a committed worker and a proud First Nations father. His sister, Brianna Bezan, 34, said the death has been sudden and devastating for the family.
“It was my worst fear.… It's just very sudden and not fair,”
Bezan said he had previously worked in security and for the Manitoba Commissionaires before joining Manitoba Sheriff Services. He is survived by his wife, identified in family material as Jennifer Rangle, and their child. The family said another child was due this fall.
Local implications and next steps
The incident has prompted a multi‑agency inquiry to determine what happened and whether any safety or operational changes are required. Workplace Safety and Health involvement indicates the crash is being treated as a workplace fatality, which may lead to further findings about employer policies, vehicle routing or railway crossing procedures.
- Who is involved: RCMP, Workplace Safety and Health, CN police.
- Location: Road 40 W., north of the Trans‑Canada Highway west of Portage la Prairie.
- Casualties: Driver deceased; passenger sustained minor injuries.
Colleagues and community members have expressed condolences as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances. Officials have not yet released a timeline for the completion of the investigation or additional findings.
The death has raised questions among residents who use rural routes and railway crossings in the area about crossing safety and emergency response. Any public updates from the RCMP or Workplace Safety and Health will be posted as they become available.
