The family of Kean Konchinew and Shirley Konchenew is grappling with unimaginable loss after a tragic collision on Highway 21 in Leduc County on April 2, 2026. The emotional toll of their absence has been compounded by the recent court proceedings where the driver responsible, Amy Patricia Krautt pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death.
The accident, which occurred near Township Road 502 has left the Konchinew family shattered. Relatives traveled from across Alberta and Saskatchewan to attend the court hearing, seeking justice for their loved ones. The emotional weight of the proceedings was palpable, with family members expressing profound grief over their losses.
The Emotional Impact on the Konchinew Family
The loss of Kean and Shirley has left a void that cannot be filled. Lawrence Konchenew Shirley’s husband of 53 years, shared his heartbreak, stating, “When I look at the pictures, I start crying. It’s so awful to live without a wife, to live without a son.” The family is not only mourning the loss of a beloved mother and wife but also a devoted father to four young girls.
Kellie Konchinew Kean’s sister, expressed the family’s anguish, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of the driver’s actions. “You got behind the car, you got behind the wheel… you chose,” she said, highlighting the deliberate nature of the tragedy. The family’s pain is further exacerbated by the knowledge that Krautt had a prior conviction for impaired driving in 2019, raising questions about the effectiveness of previous interventions.
The Legal Proceedings and Evidence
During the court hearing, it was revealed that Krautt’s blood alcohol level was between 329 and 381 milligrams of ethyl alcohol per 100 mm of blood—more than four times the legal limit. This alarming figure underscores the severity of her impairment at the time of the collision. Krautt also suffered severe injuries, including a nearly severed foot and brain damage, but the family maintains that these are self-inflicted consequences of her actions.
The court heard that Krautt had been using her phone while driving and had been drinking prior to the crash. Her prior conviction for common nuisance charges related to impaired driving in 2019 adds a layer of complexity to the case, raising concerns about repeat offenses and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
A Community in Mourning
The impact of the collision extends beyond the immediate family, touching the lives of friends and the broader community. Memorials along Highway 21 serve as a poignant reminder of the lives lost. Krystal Shirley’s daughter, shared that her mother “still had a lot to teach us and pass down.” The absence of Shirley’s wisdom and guidance is deeply felt by her family.
Kean, described by his sister Konstance Kate Hurt as “like the sun,” was a beacon of positivity whose presence is sorely missed. His four daughters are left fatherless, a reality that underscores the far-reaching consequences of the tragedy. The family’s plea for safer driving practices resonates with many who have been affected by similar incidents.
A sentencing date for Krautt has yet to be scheduled, leaving the family in a state of limbo as they await justice. The emotional and legal journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but the Konchinew family remains steadfast in their quest for accountability and closure.
