Arrest warrant issued for man charged in Manitoba highway crash that killed 3, including Winnipeg musician
Posted January 28, 2026 12:55 pm.
Last Updated January 28, 2026 12:57 pm.
Police in Manitoba are looking for a 37-year-old Winnipeg man wanted in connection with the death of three people in a highway collision in July, including the bassist for a well-known Winnipeg band.
Matthew Govereau is wanted on 18 charges relating to the July 1, 2025, collision as well as weapons and drugs allegedly recovered from his vehicle.
“Efforts to find Govereau so far have been unsuccessful,” said Swan River RCMP. “His last known address is in Birch River, but he is known to regularly travel throughout the province, including the City of Winnipeg.
“If seen, members of the public are advised not to approach.”
Police allege Govereau was driving on Highway 10 near Road 224 North when he veered over the centre line of the highway and struck a parked vehicle on the opposite shoulder.
Bass player Brendan Berg, 42, of indie pop band Royal Canoe and his partner Olivia Michalczuk, 31, were killed.
A 29-year-old man who was a passenger in Govereau’s vehicle also died. Police initially listed the driver of that vehicle, now allegedly identified as Govereau, in stable condition following the crash.
He is facing charges of impaired driving causing death, careless driving, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and more.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Swan River RCMP at 204-734-4686 or 204-734-3454, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Royal Canoe has been a Winnipeg favourite for more than a decade and has played shows with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
In 2014, the group received a Juno Award nomination for alternative album of the year for “Today We’re Believers.” The same year, they won best independent album at the Western Canadian Music Awards.
The band has toured with English rockers Alt-J and Bombay Bicycle Club and played major festivals, including Iceland Airwaves, Bonnaroo in Tennessee and Osheaga in Montreal.
–With files from The Canadian Press
