WINNIPEG – The pastor of a Winnipeg family mourning the death of their 18-year-old son following a fight at a Transcona house party says the boy’s family is devastated.
“The O’Neail family is suffering a great loss. I mean it’s a real tragedy. Family and friends, former classmates, and Christian’s former teammates — they’re just devastated,” said Shane Brothers.
“The O’Neails thoughts and prayers are with the other family as well. Just know it was a horrible accident that took place,” Brothers said in an interview with Winnipeg’s CJOB.
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O’Neail died this weekend when an argument at a house party in Transcona turned violent. Winnipeg Police were called to a disturbance at 71 Nevens Bay. When police arrived at the home they learned a young man had been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
“Two of the party-goers became involved in a verbal altercation,” said Winnipeg police Const. Eric Hofley. “It turned physical, resulting in the victim sustaining his injuries. The victim succumbed to those injuries.”
The Kildonan East Collegiate graduate was to start school at the University of Manitoba on Sept 4. Friends and loved ones are remembering O’Neail as a young man who was nice to everyone.
“He was a great guy,” said longtime friend Joseph Sullivan. “He was always doing good things to make people happy, never looked for trouble; he would never do anything to hurt anybody.”
Friends of O’Neail were surprised by the fight, saying it wasn’t in his nature to be confrontational. They allege he was walking away when he was hit. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and is facing manslaughter charges in connection to the death.
Police are still investigating and are asking anyone with more information to call 204-986-6508.
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