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 returning home to Hinton after a practice session when their pickup truck collided with a semi-truck on Highway 16, approximately 10 kilometers east of Jasper. The collision took place around 7:15 p.m., and both girls were pronounced dead at the scene.
Why It Matters
The incident has deeply affected the communities of Hinton and Jasper, where both victims were well-known. Hinton Mayor Brian LaBerge expressed the shock felt by the town’s residents, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the community. The girls were students at Harry Collinge High School and active members of the Jasper U18 Bearcats, a team in the North Eastern Alberta Hockey League. The loss has prompted the school to provide grief counseling and mental health support for students and staff.
What’s Next
As the investigation into the collision continues, authorities believe that slippery road conditions may have contributed to the accident. The community is coming together to mourn the loss, with tributes pouring in from local leaders, including statements from the mayors of Hinton and Jasper. The school has canceled formal classes for two days, allowing students to process the tragedy. Further updates regarding the investigation and community support initiatives are expected in the coming days.
