What Happened
A tragic accident occurred on Monday evening, resulting in the deaths of two teenage hockey players from the Jasper U18 Bearcats. The victims, aged 17 and 18, were involved in a collision on Highway 16, approximately 10 kilometers east of Jasper, while returning home to Hinton after practice. The 17-year-old was driving a pickup truck with her 18-year-old teammate as a passenger when they collided with a semi tractor-trailer around 7:15 p.m.
Why It Matters
The incident has deeply affected the communities of Jasper and Hinton, both of which are closely connected. Hinton Mayor Brian LaBerge expressed the shock felt by residents, noting that many locals commute between the two towns for work and other commitments. The collision is under investigation, with RCMP indicating that slippery road conditions may have contributed to the accident.
What’s Next
In the wake of this tragedy, Harry Collinge High School in Hinton has canceled classes for Tuesday and Wednesday, while remaining open for students. The Grande Yellowhead Public School Division has announced that grief counseling and mental health support services will be available for students and staff. Both mayors of Jasper and Hinton have extended their condolences to the families and friends affected by this heartbreaking loss.
