Family and friends gather to remember OCN man killed on Winnipeg's Dugas Street

Family and friends came together Tuesday to honour a man who was killed on Winnipeg's Dugas Street late last week.

Several dozen people attended a vigil in remembrance of Byron Frederick Moose outside Winnipeg's Maginot Arena Tuesday.

The 50-year-old man from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in northern Manitoba was found in critical condition near the arena early Friday morning. He died after being taken to hospital with injuries city police said are consistent with assault.

Viola Moose, Byron's older sister, said her brother was in the city to escort her to a medical appointment and see family in Winnipeg, including her grandchildren. They had planned to stay until after New Year's.

Viola said it's now her turn to escort him back home.

"He loved everybody: His friends, his bands," she said of her brother, who sang and played bass. Viola said the love for his music will still go on.

"He was a joker, too. He liked his jokes and making people laugh," she said. "Singing was his happiness.… It put joy in his life."

There was drumming and singing as people lit candles outside the arena.

Ronald B. Moose, Byron's uncle, said his nephew was a good character, and that his community didn't expect something like this to happen.

"We're devastated right now," said Ronald B. Moose, Byron's uncle. "We're pretty hurt. Before the New Year's, this happened. It's Christmas."

Freda Moose said her nephew was a loving man who would always be there for his family and anyone who needed help.

"We're a community … that's close-knit. We love each other, care for each other," she said. "What happened to him is unreal."

Winnipeg police are investigating Byron's death. They're asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact them at 204-986-6508 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

Family, friends gather to pay tribute to Winnipeg homicide victim

3 days ago

Duration 1:32

Family, friends and supporters gathered for a vigil Tuesday afternoon outside Maginot Arena in Winnipeg, near the spot where 50-year-old Byron Frederick Moose was killed last week. The O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation man was remembered as being a joker who loved playing music.