Former Wheatland King O’Shea Red Crow remembered

O'Shea Red Crow, who played junior hockey on multiple teams in Alberta and the U.S., died after he fell from a downtown Calgary skyrise on Sunday morning. (Supplied/Vernal Oilers)

Several communities are mourning the sudden death of 21-year-old O’Shea Red Crow, who died of his injuries after falling from a downtown apartment building in Calgary, June 2. 

Calgary Police Service reported being called at 5 a.m. to the 1100 block of Third Street SE in the Victoria Park area after a man was reported to have fallen from a high rise. The man, who was later identified as Red Crow, was taken to hospital in life threatening condition.

Police tape had cordoned off a red Chevrolet Impala which was parked on the street near to the building. The roof of the car had been crushed.

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Following an investigation, Calgary Police issued a statement that the incident was deemed not to be criminal in nature and were unable to provide further details or updates.

Hailing from Siksika Nation, Red Crow also played for the Agra Risk Wheatland Kings. Head Coach Doug Raycroft said the organization and the team were shocked and devastated by the news. 

“He was only 21 years old. For that to happen, and he was connected to a lot of the guys, they had just seen him recently, so there is quite a bit of shock and it hits pretty close to home,” he said. 

Raycroft described Red Crow as a big guy and a strong forward, who played with the Wheatland Kings for the 2023-24 season. Off the ice, he is remembered as having been quiet, humble, and maintaining a pleasant sense of humour. 

Despite his relatively short tenure with the Kings, Raycroft explained the team becomes very tightknit over the course of a season, as the players spend so much time playing, practicing, and travelling together. 

“I know everybody is pretty heartbroken about it. I know his family a little bit not from hockey, just from other things, and I know they are a pretty close family. At the rink of course, none of the players really talk about their family too much,” explained Raycroft. 

In addition to his time with the Kings, Red Crow spent time playing minor hockey in Siksika Nation for the Buffalos, the US-based Vernal Oilers, and for the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Proceeding forward, though nothing has yet been set in stone, Raycroft said he would be speaking with other administrators for the Wheatland Kings in order to decide how the organization will best proceed with honouring and remembering Red Crow.

Following news of Red Crow’s passing, a memorial table had been set up at the Strathmore Family Centre Arena for fans to be able to pay their respects.