In the heart of Winnipeg’s North End, a vibrant life was extinguished far too soon, leaving a community grappling with sorrow and a renewed call for justice. On the evening of August 5, 2025, 26-year-old Breydon Henry Cadieux-Kwiatkowski fell victim to a violent altercation that ended in tragedy, sending shockwaves through the lives of his loved ones and neighbors. As the Winnipeg Police Service delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding his death, the story of a young man remembered for his warmth and loyalty unfolds, alongside a community’s plea for answers.
It was just after 7:00 p.m. when North District General Patrol officers responded to a distressing call in the 600 block of Boyd Avenue. There, amidst the quiet hum of a summer evening, they found Breydon, unresponsive and suffering from severe trauma. Officers sprang into action, providing emergency medical care in a desperate bid to save him. Paramedics rushed him to a nearby hospital, where medical staff fought tirelessly to stabilize him. Despite their efforts, Breydon’s injuries proved too grave, and he passed away later that night, leaving behind a void that words can scarcely describe.
The investigation that followed revealed a chilling sequence of events. Authorities believe Breydon was caught in a heated altercation that escalated to a fatal confrontation. The Winnipeg Police Service’s Homicide Unit, tasked with unraveling the truth, worked diligently to piece together the moments leading to his death. On August 12, a breakthrough came when the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit, with support from the Tactical Support Team, apprehended two suspects. Darian Allen Gaige Sam, 27, now faces charges of manslaughter and two counts of failing to comply with a release order. David Allen Kirton, 64, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact, accused of aiding Sam’s escape from the scene. Both men remain in custody as the judicial process unfolds.
The revelation that Breydon and Sam were previously known to one another adds a layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about what sparked the fatal encounter. Investigators are combing through evidence, seeking to understand the dynamics that led to such a devastating outcome. For now, the community waits, holding its breath for justice while mourning a life cut short.
Breydon Henry Cadieux-Kwiatkowski was more than a name in a news release; he was a son, a friend, and a beacon of kindness to those who knew him. Friends describe him as someone who radiated warmth, his infectious smile lighting up even the darkest days. “Breydon had this way of making everyone feel seen,” one friend recalled, her voice heavy with grief. “He was loyal, always there when you needed him, and he never hesitated to lend a hand.” To his family, the loss is indescribable. “We’ve lost a part of our family that can never be replaced,” a relative shared. “Breydon had so much more life to live, and it’s devastating to know we’ll never see his smile or hear his laugh again.”
As word of Breydon’s death spread, the North End community came together in shared sorrow. Vigils have been held, candles lit, and memories shared, each act a testament to the impact Breydon had on those around him. His death has reignited conversations about violence in the city, prompting calls for greater efforts to address its root causes and prevent further tragedies. For many, Breydon’s story is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for change.
The Winnipeg Police Service continues to seek answers, urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be shared directly with the Homicide Unit at 204-986-6508 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477) or online at winnipegcrimestoppers.org. Even the smallest detail—security footage, a fleeting observation—could prove pivotal in bringing closure to Breydon’s family.
As the investigation presses on, Winnipeg stands united in grief and resolve. Breydon Henry Cadieux-Kwiatkowski’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved him, a poignant reminder of the human cost of violence. His story calls us to reflect, to support one another, and to work toward a future where no family endures such a heartrending loss. In the quiet moments of remembrance, Breydon’s spirit endures, urging a community to seek justice and hold fast to hope.