Woman killed in crash near Grand Rapids, Man., was mom of 3 with a 'beautiful bright spirit'

A Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation mother of three children who died in a crash over the long weekend near the northwestern shore of Lake Winnipeg is being remembered as a "beautiful bright spirit."

A news release posted on behalf of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation's chief and council on Tuesday confirmed Marybelle Yetman, 23, was one of the three people who died in separate collisions on Highway 6 Monday. 

"We extend our thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic collision on Highway 6," the release said. "Our hearts ache as we mourn the loss of Marybelle Yetman."

Yetman was travelling in an SUV down Highway 6 Monday afternoon, sitting on the front passenger seat of the vehicle. RCMP believe the SUV crossed the road's centre line into a minivan's path, crashing head-on with the vehicle.

Yetman died at the scene of the crash. She left behind two twin girls and a son, as well as her partner, Devon Hart.

"Marybelle's beautiful bright spirit will be remembered by all who knew her," the release said. 

"Marybelle's large, close-knit, loving family fondly remembers her as 'the baby,' the 'apple of her father's eye,' she was a true 'daddy's girl.'"

A 42-year-old woman travelling in the front passenger side of the minivan — which was being operated as a handivan — was rushed after the crash to the Grand Rapids nursing station, where she died,  RCMP said in a news release Wednesday. 

A female travelling in the SUV suffered extensive injuries from the crash, the news release from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation said. She is undergoing surgery.

Meanwhile, a young male passenger also travelling in the SUV was airlifted to a Winnipeg hospital. Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation said he has since been released.

A 23-year-old man who was driving had non-life-threatening injuries, RCMP said.

Third person dies after second crash

Highway 6 was closed after the head-on collision. Once roads reopened at around 11 p.m., RCMP said an SUV that had been waiting for the road to reopen would not start because its battery had drained.

A pickup truck turned around to help, pulling up behind the SUV. Everyone in both vehicles had exited, and they were standing at the roadside when a van crashed into the back of the pickup, police said.

The pickup was pushed into the SUV, which then hit two of the people standing nearby. A 33-year-old man was killed, and a 36-year-old man suffered non-life-threatening injuries. 

RCMP continues to investigate both crashes. No charges have been laid so far.