2 Hinton hockey players killed in crash involving semi near Jasper

Two teenage girls from Hinton were killed in a crash near Jasper, where they played hockey. CTV News Edmonton's Amanda Anderson has the story.

Two female teens from Hinton, Alta., have died after a crash involving a pickup and a semi-truck.

Emergency crews were called to the scene on Highway 16 east of Jasper at 7:15 p.m. on Monday.

The 17-year-old driver of the pickup and the 18-year-old passenger were declared dead at the scene, RCMP confirmed.

The driver of the semi was not injured.

Road conditions are believed to be a factor in the crash.

“Any loss of life is tragic, and especially when we’re talking about essentially kids or teenagers, you know, young adults who are just starting their lives and who had the potential for a full life, and then it gets taken away,” Cpl. Matthew Howell told CTV News Edmonton on Tuesday.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland says the teens were members of the Jasper U18 Bearcats hockey team.

“We are devastated to learn of the tragic loss of two young lives from our neighbouring community,” he said in a statement.

“A loss of this magnitude is beyond comprehension. While we cannot fully understand the depth of pain their loved ones are experiencing, we grieve alongside them and hold space in our hearts and in our thoughts for everyone affected.”

The teens were students at Harry Collinge High School in Hinton.

“Grande Yellowhead Public School Division (GYPSD) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two students from Harry Collinge High School (HCHS) in Hinton following a motor vehicle accident last night. Our hearts and primary thoughts are with the families and friends of these students during this unthinkable time,” the board wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

“In response to this tragedy, the division has mobilized immediate support systems to assist our students, staff, and the broader community.”

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GYPSD says while classes at HCHS have been cancelled on Tuesday and Wednesday, its trauma response team, including counsellors, are currently on site to provide support to anyone who needs it.

“We recognize that grief does not follow a timeline. We are committed to keeping additional mental health resources available at the school in the coming days and weeks as our community begins the healing process,” the statement says.

This is the second time this month that teen hockey players have been killed in a crash.

On Feb. 2, three members of the Southern Alberta Mustangs junior hockey team in Stavely, Alta., were killed while headed to practice in the town south of Calgary.

More to come…