Winnipeg police said Michael Slobodian, 45, is the victim of a fatal crash between a dump truck and bicycle Wednesday morning.
Police said the crash happened at the Perimeter Highway and St. Anne’s Road around 8:10 a.m.
According to police, Slobodian was riding his bike west when the truck came to a stop at a red light.
When the light turned green, police said Slobodian’s bike and a dump truck turning right collided.
“We have not been able to confirm whether or not Mr. Slobodian was in motion, or stopped as well and like you say, out of the sight line of the driver,” said Const. Jason Michalyshen.
ABOVE: Bouquets of flowers and candles attached to a pole at the site of the accident on St. Anne's.
Slobodian taught science at St. Norbert Collegiate.
“You didn't have to know him or even be in his class, he was always such a great guy, always so nice, and he could easily be one of your favourite teachers,” said student Natalie Goubeil.
The school sent a letter home to inform students on Wednesday.
It called Slobodian a "dear friend" to the community.
Condolences for the high school teacher quickly began pouring in on social media.
I'm at a loss for words..my thoughts & prayers are with the Slobodian family��������
— kayla wandowich (@DanceChick2716) September 8, 2016
my heart hurts. rest in peace Mr. Slobodian, you'll never be forgotten ����
— Chey (@cheyenneddavis) September 7, 2016
You made my last year unforgettable with that canoe trip. what a great man we lost. You will always be remembered�� RIP Mr.Slobo
— Little Hubes (@clairehuberdeau) September 7, 2016
The school division is calling his death a profound and personal loss to many.
“I can tell you, the first time I met Michael, he's the most positive and optimistic person I’ve ever met," said Seine River School Division Superintendent, Michael Borgfjord.
"I knew him so well, and my mom too she works there and she worked with him and it's just it's like affecting everybody, (because) he's always such a happy presence to have there,” Goubeil explained.
As students start the new school year at St. Norbert Collegiate, counsellors are on hand to help students and staff, and the library is now a place to heal and reflect.
“School continues, but there's a big loss there and I know that today our team will debrief on what we need to do tomorrow, what do we need to do next week,” Borgfjord said.
CTV News is told plans are in the works to create a memorial for the beloved teacher.
Police said the dump truck driver could face charges, pending the results of an investigation.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6271.
