Family says man killed by alleged drunk driver in P.A. was accused’s cousin

By Nigel Maxwell

A woman accused of impaired driving causing death and failure to stop after a collision resulting in death made her first court appearance Monday morning as multiple members of her family watched on.

Brayanna McKenzie’s matter was adjourned to Sept. 25, and she will remain in custody until at least that time.

Early Saturday, just before 1 a.m., Prince Albert police responded to the 800 block of 13th Street West, where they found a 26-year-old man dead.

The name of the man was not released by police, but family members confirmed for paNOW it was Tyson McKenzie, who also happens to be the cousin of the accused. Brayanna’s mother Sophie McKenzie said she has suffered two losses.

Sophie explained she was told there was some sort of scuffle outside the store and Tyson was involved.

“My daughter … didn’t mean to. She’s a very kind, loving mother. She tried to help him,” she said.

Trina, who asked her last name not be published, was in the truck with Brayanna and said the incident was accidental.

“She’s not an experienced driver; she just got her licence three months agio. She tried to put it in drive and put it in reverse and hit him,” she said.

Sophie McKenzie, who is now taking care of her two-year-old grandchild, said her daughter was on a good path, and is in her third semester of justice studies.

“I’m grieving for my nephew and I’m grieving for my daughter,” she said.

Tyson McKenzie’s brother was also in court and shared with paNOW he saw his brother just a week prior to his death. He also noted the family has connections to the La Ronge area. Funeral arrangements are still being discussed.