THUNDER BAY – Barbara Kentner, the Indigenous woman struck by a trailer hitch thrown from a passing vehicle earlier this year, has died.
The 34-year-old died early Tuesday morning, according to a Facebook post from her sister Melissa Kentner.
Kentner was struck in the stomach while walking on Cameron Street near McKenzie Avenue on the evening of Jan. 28.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum issued a statement and expressed her condolences to Kentner's family, friends, loved ones and her home community of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
"We all must work together to acknowledge that racism exists. We must combat and report racism. We must take this very seriously. This has been going on for far too long. This is our reality as many Indigenous Peoples, especially our women, have come to me with their stories. It’s very disturbing and frightening. There is an escalation of violence in this city, and we must not minimize these horrible situations" Acheepineskum said.
"A young Indigenous mother died today, and a young girl is without her mother – this should not happen. What do you say to a young girl that loses her mother? I'm very heartbroken for her and will be supporting the family."
Brayden Bushby, 18 at the time of his arrest, was charged with aggravated assault. The charge remains before the courts and has not been proven.
Thunder Bay Police Service Const. Julie Tilbury on Tuesday confirmed police are aware of Kentner's death and will be consulting with the coroner.
