A young man died on Virden’s eastern frontage road on Monday night. Jaden Wollny, an 18-year-old from Binscarth (near Russell) lost his life when his car went out of control on the curve at the junction of Hwy 1 and Road 257.
By Wednesday afternoon, a roadside memorial had been placed at the accident site and three youth from the Russell area were there, placing tributes and comforting each other.
On a Facebook page the principal from Major Pratt School, Tammy McCulloch, posted condolences and an offer to help students deal with this sudden loss of their class mate: "It is with heavy hearts that I share with you the passing of Jaden Wollny. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time.”
She said a crisis support team would be available at Major Pratt school next Monday to support students.
It was close to midnight on Aug. 17 when Virden RCMP responded to the call to a single vehicle collision.
The investigation has determined that the teen was travelling eastbound on the service road, approaching the intersection, lost control of his vehicle in a curve and rolled into the ditch.
The RCMP report says, “The 18-year-old male, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased on scene. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the collision. The Virden RCMP along with a Traffic Analyst continue to investigate.”
This is the third 18-year-old life to be lost near Virden with the Aug. 7 deaths of the two Melita teens in the tornado.
