Those connected to the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy continue efforts to honour the victims, as a memorial takes shape at the crash site. Monday, April 6 marks the eighth anniversary of the tragedy that claimed 16 lives and left 13 people with serious injuries. The project aims to reflect both remembrance and the community’s ongoing healing. Work is currently focused on preparing the site along the highway where the crash occurred. Crews are completing grading and concrete installation, with paving expected later this summer. The memorial is being guided largely by families of those affected, with a committee chaired by Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench. Muench was mayor when the tragedy happened on April 6, 2018, but stepped down after that term saying the toll it took was immense and he needed some time. After sitting out one term, he ran again in the last election and is the current mayor. “It was a little difficult after the bus crash. I was kind of working two full time jobs with all the aftermath and everything else,” Muench told CTV News. Plans at the roadside memorial site include a sheltered structure with seating, though some final design elements have yet to be decided. The goal is to create a meaningful space that reflects the wishes of the families, with hopes the memorial will be completed in time for the 10th anniversary of the tragedy in two years. Funding for the project has come entirely through donations, with additional support from local businesses contributing services. Mayor Muench says the memorial is about preserving the memory of those who were lost and ensuring their lives are remembered beyond the rink. “I think people just feel the need to preserve the memory of those that were lost, and to make sure their names aren’t forgotten. Not only as hockey players or people involved with the team, but for what they did in their regular lives—that’s a big part of who they were,” he said. The memorial will also recognize the outpouring of support the community received in the aftermath of the tragedy — support that came from across Canada and around the world. He says Humboldt remains deeply grateful for the donations and outreach that have helped make the project possible. A special commemorative video will be released Monday afternoon on the city’s website. RELATED STORIES:
