A tragic collision in western Alberta has resulted in the deaths of two teenage hockey players from Jasper. The incident occurred on Monday night as the girls, aged 17 and 18, were returning home to Hinton after a practice session.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The players were involved in a crash on Highway 16, approximately 75 kilometers east of Jasper. According to local authorities, the 17-year-old was driving a pickup truck with her 18-year-old teammate as a passenger. The collision with a semi tractor-trailer took place around 7:15 p.m., roughly 45 minutes after practice ended.
Both girls died at the site of the accident. Initial investigations by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) suggest that slippery road conditions may have contributed to the incident.
Community Mourning
The news of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through Hinton, a community of about 10,000 residents. Mayor Brian LaBerge expressed the profound sense of loss felt by local residents, “These are really involved young women known by a lot of people.”
- The girls were members of the U18 Jasper Bearcats hockey team.
- Classes at Harry Collinge High School, where the girls studied, were cancelled on Tuesday and Wednesday in response to the tragedy.
Support for the Community
The Jasper Minor Sports Board released a heartfelt statement offering condolences to families and friends affected by the loss, calling the girls “bright shining lights” in the hockey community. The statement highlighted the team’s recent advancement to the second round of playoffs, marking a significant achievement for the athletes.
In light of the situation, the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division is providing support services to students and families. The high school remains open as a safe space for those seeking to connect and receive professional help.
Wider Impacts and Responses
This incident follows another tragic event involving young hockey players in Alberta earlier this month, where three members of the Southern Alberta Mustangs Junior hockey team lost their lives in a separate crash. The interconnected nature of these small communities amplifies the shared grief during such difficult times.
Mayors from surrounding towns, including Edson’s Kevin Zahara and Jasper’s Richard Ireland, have also extended their condolences, emphasizing the close-knit relationships between the communities affected by the tragedy.
