‘It doesn’t feel real’: Families mourn couple who lost their lives in motorcycle crash outside Winnipeg
Posted June 18, 2026 9:12 am.
Paradise Lee says it’s still hard to believe her grandmother is no longer with her.
Partners Brenda Lee and Dan Keats, both 65, lost their lives in a motorcycle crash outside of Winnipeg this weekend.
They are being described as staples of the biker community.
“She was probably one of the best ladies I’ve ever met,” Paradise said of her grandma.
“A tragic loss,” said Mandy Keats, Dan’s daughter. “Very unexpected. They had many, many years on the road.”
READ: Winnipeg motorcyclist, passenger killed in collision with pickup truck north of Selkirk
Selkirk RCMP have said Lee and Keats were part of a large motorcycle group riding on Provincial Road 320, in the RM of St Andrews, on the afternoon of June 13.
Police say the group was turning onto the highway access road “when one of the motorcycles attempted to turn west and was struck by a southbound pickup truck.”
Mounties are continuing to investigate.
Paradise says her grandmother was like a second mom to her and they spent a lot of time together bonding over crafts and baking.
“Unbelievable,” she said. “It doesn’t feel real. Not something anyone wants to hear.”
Mandy Keats says her father was biking all his life and shared that passion with Lee.
Family members say both Lee and Keats were involved in charity and fundraising in the community.
“They were stretching themselves thin to show their support. And no one’s wanting anything in return,” said Mandy.
“Welcoming. They were very, very welcoming. My mom pretended that she was mean but had a heart of gold,” said Chery Lee, Brenda Lee’s daughter.
Family members say since their passing, many people visited their home to support and express condolences.
Jason Lee, Brenda Lee’s son, says, it speaks volumes about how many hearts the couple touched.
Lee says the local biker community is planning a memorial ride to honour the couple. He’s contemplating wiping off the dust on his own bike to participate.
“Proud of what they did and how they were involved with everybody,” Jason Lee said.
