Winnipeg Woman Remembered for Generosity After Deadly Dominican Republic Bus Crash
A Winnipeg woman has been identified as one of two Manitobans killed in a bus crash in the Dominican Republic on March 1, 2026. Kim Lafantaisie, 57, is being remembered by her family and friends as a selfless and caring individual who dedicated her life to helping others.
Details of the Crash
The tourist bus crashed while traveling down a road in Villa Hermosa, a town approximately 100 kilometers east of Santo Domingo, according to reports. Lafantaisie and her husband, Richard Pattyn, were traveling to a resort on the outskirts of Santo Domingo after arriving at Punta Cana’s airport on Sunday. Pattyn survived the crash and underwent surgery.
Family’s Account
Lafantaisie’s sons, Ashton and Brady Kropla, described their mother as a devoted parent and friend. Ashton Kropla recounted that his mother consistently prioritized the needs of others, whether through volunteering, rescuing stray animals, or simply offering a helping hand. “Our mom is the reason that we’re… where we’re at in life. She was our best friend. She never, never backed down from a challenge — it was such a blessing to have her,” he told CBC News.
Brady Kropla remembered his mother’s dedication to providing for her family, often working multiple jobs while simultaneously pursuing her education. He emphasized her unwavering belief in their potential, stating, “If I ever had something I wasn’t sure I could do, she would tell me that I could and like, there’d be no if, ands or buts. I’m gonna miss her a lot.”
A Life of Giving
Lafantaisie worked at Manitoba Health after years of study while raising her family. Her sons highlighted her generosity, noting her habit of waking up early to volunteer at her church and her compassion for stray cats, providing them with food and shelter. “Our mom had no time — it was always being given away. That’s who she was, generous beyond belief,” Ashton Kropla said.
Circumstances of Notification and Investigation
Ashton Kropla explained the difficulty the family faced in obtaining information about the crash and his mother’s condition. He initially learned about the crash from a reporter after his father shared the news. He contacted the hotel and Sunwing airline, who confirmed the deaths of two people in the crash and referred him to Global Affairs Canada. Even though, confirmation of his mother’s death from Global Affairs Canada didn’t come until late Tuesday night.
According to Pattyn, the bus driver was traveling at a high speed on a winding road when the bus veered off the shoulder. The family is seeking answers and calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
Final Thoughts
The Kropla family urges travelers to exercise caution, obtain travel insurance, and, most importantly, express their love to their loved ones. “You brush it aside… They’re adults, and they have this thick skin. None of that matters. We’re never going to get our mum back,” Kropla said. “She was the best person that I’ve ever met.”
Sources: CBC News, Yahoo News, Winnipeg Free Press, MSN