Foam Lake mourns mother, two daughters killed in crash

Foam Lake’s mayor and council say the close-knit community is standing together as people mourn the deaths of a mother and her two young daughters, who were killed in a crash on Friday.

The Town of Foam Lake says the loss has been felt throughout the community, where friends and neighbours have shared memories of the family and found ways to honour the two girls.

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“The Town of Foam Lake is grieving alongside our community following last week’s tragic accident,” the town said in a statement.

“This loss has deeply affected many people, and our thoughts are with all families who are mourning.”

The 40-year-old woman and her daughters, aged eight and five, were killed in a three-vehicle collision on a grid road about nine kilometres west of Foam Lake.

The RCMP said officers were called to the scene at around 12:35 p.m. Friday.

Investigators determined a truck was attempting to pass a semi when it collided with the family’s SUV, police said.

Three people travelling in the truck were also injured.

The RCMP said the driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. One passenger was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while another was airlifted with serious injuries.

40-year-old Kelly Knopf from South Carolina has been charged with three counts of dangerous driving causing death and three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. He was scheduled to appear in Yorkton Provincial Court on Monday.

The RCMP said its investigation into the crash is ongoing.

The girls’ father, who was also in the SUV, survived the crash with serious injuries.

Elyse Maleschuk, who works with the man, described him as an “amazing father” whose daughters were his life.

She said he talked about his girls every day, describing him as a devoted dad who was deeply involved in his children’s lives.

While friends remember the girls and their mother, Maleschuk said people are also thinking about their father as he recovers. The Town of Foam Lake echoed that message.

“We are also keeping those who were injured in our thoughts as they continue their recovery,” the town said. “We hope for healing and strength for everyone impacted.”

As the community deals with the loss, people who knew the family are also sharing memories of their daily lives in Foam Lake.

Jessica Malisheski said her daughter had just started kindergarten with the five-year-old girl who was killed in the crash, while her eight-year-old sister was in Grade 4.

She remembered the two as playful sisters who were involved in activities like dance, bowling, swimming and soccer.

The older girl took her role as big sister seriously.

“She looked after her little sister very well,” Malisheski said.

Malisheski remembers seeing the sisters holding hands as they walked down the street to play with other children in the neighbourhood.

Malisheski said she knew their mother from high school, and later through the local hair salon. She remembered her as someone who loved spending time in her kitchen.

“She cherished her Ukrainian heritage and put her whole heart into her baking and cooking,” Malisheski said.

Malisheski said the family was a familiar part of life around Foam Lake. They attended community events, decorated their yard for holidays and planned family Halloween costumes together.

“They were just your average small-town family with kids, having plenty of friends and everyone seemingly knowing each other,” she said.

Malisheski encouraged the public to place two stuffed animals outside their homes, one for each girl. Photos of the tributes have since appeared on social media, with people outside Foam Lake also saying they are taking part.

For the town, those gestures reflect how the community responds when its neighbours are hurting.

“Foam Lake is a close-knit community, and during times like this we stand together in support, care, and compassion,” the town said.

A gofundme page has been set up to support the man who has lost his wife and daughters to help “navigate the overwhelming expenses that come with this tragedy, including medical expenses, bills following his hospital discharge, funeral and memorial costs,” according to the website.

Defence lawyer says alcohol, drugs, speed not believed to be factors

Brian Pfefferle, the lawyer representing Knopf, said there is no indication that alcohol, drugs, or excessive speed were factors. However, he said he is still waiting to receive the full details of the allegations against Knopf.

According to Pfefferle, Knopf sustained serious injuries in the collision and, as of Monday morning, has remained in hospital.

“He is devastated by the loss of life and overwhelmed with grief. He intends to cooperate fully with authorities throughout the process,” Pfefferle said in a statement.

Pfefferle said Knopf was on a hunting trip in Saskatchewan and has been travelling to the province for several years. He noted Knopf has connections to many individuals in the area.

“He and his family are deeply grateful for the support and compassion they have received from the community as they navigate the many consequences of this tragedy which has impacted their community,” the statement said.

Yorkton provincial court is expected to address Knopf’s release on Wednesday. Pfefferle said any release conditions are expected to require his return to Saskatchewan to address the charges.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Mia Holowaychuk