Editor’s note: On June 3, Calgary police issued an update saying O’Shea Red Crow’s death was determined to not be criminal in nature. A 21-year-old man who died after falling from a downtown Calgary skyrise on Sunday has been identified as a Siksika Nation man and a beloved hockey player. O’Shea Red Crow was memorialized on the Facebook page for the Vernal Oilers, a Junior A hockey team in the United States Premier Hockey League, on Monday. In the post, the team said Red Crow joined them for the 2022/23 season and recorded 21 points in his first 22 games with the team, making a name for himself as “one of the most feared players.” The Oilers said Red Crow’s season ended early because of an injury, but he made his mark with the club. “The definition of a ‘gentle giant,’ O’Shea was beloved by not only his Oiler teammates and coaches, but also the entire Vernal community,” the post read. “Our condolences go out to the Red Crow family, his teammates and fans in Vernal, and the entire Siksika Nation.” CTV News spoke with Red Crow’s family, who confirmed that he was the victim of the tragic incident on Sunday. Police were called to the 1100 block of Third Street S.E. just after 5 a.m. on June 1 for reports that a man had fallen from a building. Red Crow was found in medical distress and he was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition. He later died in hospital. Another one of Red Crow’s former teams, the Agra Risk Wheatland Kings, set up a memorial table at the Strathmore Family Centre arena on Monday. “He was a quiet presence in the room, soft-spoken, humble, and always respectful. While he may not have been the loudest voice on the team, he was part of our brotherhood, and his loss is deeply felt by those who shared the ice with him,” the Kings wrote of Red Crow’s time with them. “Our hearts are with O’Shea’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. This is a devastating and tragic loss of a life taken far too soon.” Doug Raycroft, head coach of the Kings, said the entire organization is devasted over Red Crow’s death, or as he was known on the ice, “Cookie.” “He’s a giant on the ice and a soft spoken, humble person off the ice,” he said. “He’s way too young, a young man to die. So it’s pretty hard for sure but nothing close to the devastation his family would feel, or close friends.” Red Crow played as a forward for the Kings in 2021 and then returned for the 2023/24 season. “He’s very physical with a scoring knack. I think his teammates would say he was an amazing teammate. He would always stick up for his teammates and close friends.” Fans can visit the facility, located at 160 Brent Blvd. in Strathmore, Alta., to pay their respects. (With files from Teri Fikowski)
