'It was over $16': Saskatoon woman speaks out after boyfriend killed in Manitoba

When Ashley Hague stopped receiving text messages from her boyfriend Saturday night, she knew something was wrong. No matter what, he always responded.

Her last message to her boyfriend was, "I miss you too."

On Saturday just before midnight police in Winkler, Man., were called to Valley Bowling Lanes where they found a man unconscious. Police said the man had been struck several times with a pool cue and a witnesses told officers an argument ignited over a $16 debt.

• Winkler bowling alley attack victim dies in hospital
• Man on life support after 'senseless assault' in Winkler bowling alley​

The man was Zachary Straughan, 25, from Saskatoon. His girlfriend, Hague, said he was in Winkler for work with Top Shop Concrete, a job he started five weeks ago.

Back home in Saskatoon, Hague said she received a call on Sunday, around 12 p.m. CST, from a woman looking to reach Straughan's family. Hague said she contacted Straughan's sister and that is when she found out her boyfriend was in hospital. 

Straughan was on life support at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, but he succumbed to his injuries and died on Monday.

"I'm trying to stay strong for the baby honestly, Zack was so excited to have a baby with me," Hague said, adding she is eight weeks pregnant. "A couple of days ago he was sending me pictures of engagement rings and we've always been talking about our life together."

Straughan leaves behind three young children whom he had with another woman. The children are now staying with their biological mother.

"It's hard for them, they really love their dad and it's probably hard for them to understand that he's gone, but they're heartbroken and they're going to miss him for sure," Hague said.

But what Hague is having trouble coming to terms with is how the tragedy all unfolded; an argument over a small amount of money.

"The one thing I want people to know is this happened because he was there for work and it was intentional, we have found that out from the police and it was over $16," she said. "And now he leaves behind three children and one on the way because of $16, it's just senseless."

Hague added it's her understanding that the person who attacked her boyfriend was Justin Bird, one of his coworkers. Winkler police said a 29-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a controlled substance. 

A kind, generous father

Hague said she'll remember Straughan for the kindness and generosity he had for others, especially for her.

"The number one thing is he always put himself last so that he could help other people. His number one priority was to help others," she said. "That's why we decided to donate his organs so he could help others one last time."

Hague's said two GoFundMe pages have been set up, one from her fellow board members at the Saskatoon Dog Rescue to help support the baby when it's born, and another one for Straughan's family to help cover funeral costs, cover any debts he had and to set up a trust fund for his four children.