First Nation honours man killed in hit-and-run

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This article was published 20/10/2017 (2377 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WAYWAYSEECAPPO FIRST NATION — Cody Severight was remembered Friday by family and friends as a kind, generous and funny young man with an infectious smile.

“Cody was well-known… as outgoing and happy,” said Betty Ann Razor, who read the eulogy.

She fondly recalled his “contagious laugh” and a “smile that would light up any room.”

About 100 people gathered at the Waywayseecappo Community Band Hall to say farewell to Severight, 23, who was killed last week in a hit-and-run collision in Winnipeg.

“It’s really sad, it’s really tragic, how we lost Cody,” Razor said. “And he didn’t deserve to leave the way that he did, but he sure made an impact on everyone’s lives.”

Loved ones hugged each other and wiped away tears while a traditional drum circle played.

“There’s nothing in this world that can ever prepare us when we lose a loved one so suddenly,” said Deacon Conrad Plante. “We ask ourselves that question, ‘Why should this happen?’ And you know, it’s very hard for us to find the answer.”

Plante encouraged people to seek courage through the Creator to help them through the difficult time.

“I’m sure you have good memories of Cody. Those are the memories that you have to hang on to, those are the memories that have to stay in your heart and in your mind,” he said.

At the front of the room, the casket was draped with a blanket depicting wolves and trees. Candles were lit and a star blanket adorned the wall. A slide show displayed photos of a smiling young man playing basketball, posing for selfies with friends and laughing with loved ones.

A few of Severight’s favourite songs were played, including Neon Moon by Brooks & Dunn, and Without You by David Guetta.

“Cody enjoyed country music because it was a reminder of his parents, and he also loved rap music,” Razor said. “Cody loved kids and often spoke about a career working with children… Cody loved his family and friends dearly, especially his nieces and his nephews.”

Severight was buried beside his mother, Julia Hunter, who died in 2012. The 41-year-old was found dead in a stairwell. Although no charges were laid in connection with Hunter’s death, she is listed among Manitoba’s missing and slain Indigenous women.

Severight died in a hit-and-run Oct. 10 when he was crossing Winnipeg’s Main Street near Sutherland Avenue at 8 p.m.

Justin Holz, 34, an off-duty Winnipeg police officer, is charged with impaired driving causing death and failing to stay at the scene of a collision.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba is investigating the incident. On Friday, the unit said two police officers have been put on leave after the Winnipeg Police Service notified it about “the irregular and improper conduct of two officers in the immediate aftermath” of the fatality.

— Brandon Sun