Friends want man who died in crash remembered as caring, generous
Friends of a man who died in a crash late last month in Red Deer describe him as a gentle person who would go to great lengths to help others.
On June 29, 27-year-old Brandon Keown died after fleeing police, striking another vehicle in an intersection and crashing into a tree.
Social media commenters expressed outrage at Keown – who was not named by police – for his role in the incidents which culminated near 60 Street and Taylor Drive.
“I by no means want to justify or excuse my son’s behaviour and no one is more angry than me. However, that [incident] was just a snap shot of who he was,” says Keown’s mother, Tamara Sawatzky, adding she forgives those who lambasted her son on Facebook. “I’ve had over 50 people thank me for bringing him into this world because he had impacted them and taught them about kindness. He was a champion for the poor and he was kind. He lost his way, but he never lost his humanity and I hold my head up for the young man I raised in pride.”