The community is reeling from the news that a vibrant young woman lost her life last week in a highway collision.
Friends, family and community members are in shock to hear about the death of 28-year-old Kellie Verwey. The much-loved woman was planning a wedding this summer with her fiancé, Travis Lundy. Together, they shared in many special occasions through their mobile coffee and cocktail bar called Roasts and Toasts.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 10:50 a.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP received a report of a three-vehicle collision on Highway 26, about three kilometres east of Portage la Prairie.
A westbound pickup truck had veered over the centre line, and an eastbound pickup truck swerved to prevent a collision. The westbound truck hit the ditch and rolled while the eastbound truck collided with a westbound SUV driven by Verwey. She died at the scene.
The 21-year-old man driving the eastbound truck was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old driver of the westbound truck freed himself from the vehicle, which was later confirmed to be stolen from the Arborg area. He was picked up by a passing motorist and dropped off at a nearby gas station.
The motorist who picked up the driver returned to the scene and told officers where he’d dropped him off. The investigators determined the driver took a cab and was believed to be heading to Winnipeg.
Officers from the Headingley RCMP detachment contacted the cab driver who then told them that the man got out near a motel on Highway 1 in Headingley, where he fled on foot. Area patrols led to the arrest of James Lorne Hilton from the RM of St. Andrews. He was charged with multiple offences including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, operation while impaired and failure to stop after an accident resulting in death. He was taken into custody without incident. Portage la Prairie RCMP, along with a forensic collision reconstructionist, continue to investigate.
Now the community is left to grapple with the unfathomable loss of a young woman who brightened the lives of all who knew her.
With a long list of personal and professional achievements, Verwey found ways to make a positive impact in Portage and beyond. Five years ago, she graduated from the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba with a commerce degree. While in university, she took part in exchange programs in England and Iceland. She enjoyed playing hockey, travelling and spending time with loved ones.
In addition to operating Roasts and Toasts, which earned an award from the Portage Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding New Entrepreneur in 2024, Verwey also made her mark as a tourism co-ordinator for the municipality.
Sharilyn Knox, mayor of the City of Portage la Prairie, shared some poignant sentiments with the Tribune.
“I wish we didn’t need to be here, fighting for change, but here we are, honouring the memory of Kellie, who was loved by so many and loved our community. We are deeply grieving her senseless loss and the lifelong effect on the other young victim and witnesses involved. I will keep shouting ‘enough is enough’ at the people responsible until there is meaningful change,” she said.
“Our leaders need to step up, make the hard decisions and show the courage to implement meaningful bail reform and mandatory treatment programs. We need to prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities, protect those who support us, and ensure that those who serve and protect us can do their jobs effectively.”
She added that what’s happening now isn’t working and it’s time to admit it out loud.
“Let’s take a deep breath, set aside the blame and commit to a strong, courageous path forward. Stricter penalties and more accountability for repeat offenders are not just talking points — they’re essential steps to protect our citizens and support our first responders, who are bearing the brunt of a broken system,” she said.
“I’m not in the position of making the laws or policies when it comes to justice, but I can and will be a voice for the people in our communities. I’m willing to stand up, take risks and demand the tough decisions needed to ensure public safety. Now is the time for leadership, not politics, and we’re ready to help fight for the change our communities deserve.”
Legal professionals might need to take a step back and realize that changes to the justice system are essential for the safety of our community, Knox added.
“While defending clients is a crucial part of their role, it’s equally important to recognize that sometimes the people they defend need to be held accountable for their actions. Implementing bail reform and mandatory treatment programs can help ensure that offenders receive the necessary support to address their issues while also protecting the public and reducing the risk of repeat offenses,” she said.
“It’s time to prioritize the well-being of our communities and make the hard decisions needed to create a safer environment for everyone.”
In addition, Knox wrote a letter to Justice Minister Matt Wiebe on behalf of council, which she shared on social media with family consent.
“I write to you not only as the Mayor of Portage la Prairie but as a deeply grieving community leader. On January 15, 2025, our community lost a vibrant, promising young woman, Kellie Verwey, in a senseless and preventable tragedy. This loss has shaken our city to its core, and it demands immediate attention and action,” she wrote.
“The incident that claimed Kellie’s life is both devastating and infuriating. According to the RCMP, a stolen vehicle driven recklessly by James Lorne Hilton caused the chain of events that led to her death. This individual, known to the police, had an active arrest warrant at the time of the crash. He should have been in custody, not behind the wheel of a stolen truck on our highways. This is a systemic failure, plain and simple, and it cost an innocent young woman her life. Her dreams, her future, and her contributions to our world were stolen in an instant.”
Knox said the tragedy outlines glaring systemic deficiencies, including allowing repeat offenders to roam free and failing to prioritize public safety. She implored the justice minister to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure individuals with active warrants are apprehended and kept in custody; to prioritize public safety in sentencing and parole decisions, especially for repeat offenders; to increase resources and accountability within the justice system to prevent known criminals from endangering innocent lives; and to consult with communities and families affected by crime to develop meaningful, impactful reforms.
Hundreds of people offered heartfelt responses to Knox’s post, which has also been shared thousands of times.
“As someone who knew Kellie since her birth, I watched her grow and blossom into the extraordinary woman that she was and will always be remembered. She achieved so much in her short 28 years and touched so many lives … she had so much more to give,” states one post.
“Let her tragic death not be in vain, but a call to a reform of our justice system, reaching every corner of our nation, and let hers be the last innocent life lost to a broken system that failed her, and her family and friends. We love you Kel!”
Another post thanked Knox for her well-written letter.
“Condolences to Kellie families and friends. Our communities have lost a beautiful soul taken way to soon. Gainsborough, Portage la Prairie, Oakland, Warren, McCreary and High Bluff,” states the post.
“We need to support change in this broken system to keep our community’s safe and honour Kellie. Her fiance, Travis and her families have lost a lifetime of joy…we need to do better and keep the pressure on to make this change.”
The Whoop and Hollar Folk Fest also shared an emotion-filled response.
“So many tears shed today. It seems that it’s always the good people that are taken from us, due to the actions of irresponsible individuals who keep getting away scot-free,” the post states.
“Enough IS enough!! Kellie, you will be missed so much, and we will all be forever changed by your efforts to unite and help your community and elevate Portage’s tourism potential! To all of Kellie’s family, close friends, and colleagues … we stand with you. Mayor Knox, what a heartfelt tribute and call to action. Thank you.”
A celebration of Kellie Verwey’s life will take place in Portage la Prairie on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m., and the service will also be live-streamed. To register and view the service, visit www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com.
As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to a soon-to-be-established fund in memory of Kellie Verwey care of Community Foundation of Portage and District.
