Body of man killed in collision with Saskatchewan Roughrider to be returned to India - Global News
An online fundraising effort has gathered approximately $80,000 for the family of Bhishma Rajyaguru, a 22-year-old man who died in a car crash near Lumsden, northwest of Regina. The collision also resulted in the death of Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Jayden Dalke, 30. The funds raised through GoFundMe are intended to cover the costs of repatriating Rajyaguru’s body to India and to support his parents.
Tonish Patel, a friend of Rajyaguru, confirmed that the money collected is sufficient for the repatriation process. He noted that the funds will also assist Rajyaguru’s parents in India as they cope with the loss of their son. Rajyaguru, who arrived in Canada from the Indian state of Gujarat in 2022 as an international student, had been residing in Regina.
Both men died at the scene of the crash, which occurred on a Saturday night. The RCMP reported that both individuals were driving SUVs. Authorities stated that Dalke’s vehicle was on the wrong side of the divided highway when the collision took place. Alcohol and cannabis were subsequently discovered in the football player’s vehicle.
Details of the Collision and Investigation
The RCMP also revealed that approximately 30 minutes before the fatal crash, a gas station in Lumsden had reported that Dalke’s SUV departed without paying for fuel. RCMP spokesperson Mandy Maier confirmed that the silver SUV involved in the collision was the same vehicle reported by the business. There were no passengers in either vehicle involved in the incident.
Autopsies and toxicology tests are currently being conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. Patel mentioned that Rajyaguru’s body cannot be transported to India until these tests are finalized, and he was unsure of the timeline for their completion. The Lumsden Fire Department was called to the crash scene around 9 p.m., finding one vehicle in the median and the other in a ditch. Some motorists had stopped to attempt to revive one of the men.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe expressed his condolences in a social media post, stating his heart remained heavy. He mourned the loss of Bhishma Rajyaguru and extended deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. The Gujarati Samaj of Saskatchewan, a charity organization supporting Gujarati immigrants, also shared its sadness over Rajyaguru’s death, offering condolences to his family and the community.
Tributes and Team Reaction
Jayden Dalke, originally from Leduc, Alta., was a sixth-round pick in the 2022 CFL draft from the University of Alberta. He appeared in 68 career regular-season games, including all 18 regular-season games for Saskatchewan last year. He contributed to the Riders’ 2025 Grey Cup victory over the Montreal Alouettes last November.
Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day described Dalke as a beloved teammate, noting his positive impact on those around him. O’Day stated that the team intends to hold a tribute for Dalke before their next home game, which is scheduled for Thursday against the Edmonton Elks. Players are expected to wear Dalke’s initials on their helmets during the game.
Roughriders CEO Craig Reynolds and head coach Corey Mace addressed the media regarding the incident. Reynolds stated he only learned of the details concerning Dalke’s driving and the presence of alcohol and cannabis when the RCMP released the information publicly. Mace emphasized that the matter remains under investigation, acknowledging the emotional impact on many people.
Patel remembered his friend, Bhishma Rajyaguru, as a talented musician and a polite, diligent individual who enjoyed watching cricket. He added that Rajyaguru’s friends are planning a gathering to commemorate his life. Rajyaguru also passed away on his father’s birthday, according to Patel. Linebacker Nick Wiebe, a teammate of Dalke’s, shared that he had spoken with Dalke hours before the crash, with Dalke driving from Edmonton to Regina at the time.
The Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day believes that Jayden Dalke would have wanted his teammates to return to work, as the team prepares for their upcoming home game against the Edmonton Elks on Thursday.
Source: globalnews.ca
