JASPER ALBERTA, The two teenage hockey players killed in a crash on Highway 16 east of Jasper on Monday, February 23, have been identified as Danica Hills, 18, and Kayla Lorene Peacock, 17.
Both were members of the Jasper U18 Bearcats in the North Eastern Alberta Hockey League (NEAHL) and students at Harry Collinge High School in Hinton.
According to the RCMP, emergency crews responded to the collision at approximately 7:15 p.m. after a pickup truck collided with a semi-truck. Peacock, who was driving the pickup, and Hills, a passenger, were declared dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. Police indicated that road conditions are believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash.
The loss has deeply affected the hockey communities of Jasper, Hinton, and surrounding areas.
Jasper Minor Sports released a statement expressing condolences to the families, friends, and teammates of the two players and announced the availability of mental health supports for those impacted.
Walk-in support services were made available at Jasper Jr/Sr High and Seaton Healthcare Centre, with additional crisis resources shared for students and community members.
Whitecourt Minor Hockey also extended condolences to the Hinton and Jasper minor hockey associations and to the grieving families.
At Harry Collinge High School, where both students were enrolled, classes were cancelled Tuesday and Wednesday as the school community responded to the tragedy. Principal Ryan Maguhn stated that the school would remain open as a supportive space, with Family School Liaison Counsellors on site to provide grief and mental health assistance. Virtual counseling options were also offered.
The Grande Yellowhead Public School Division confirmed that its trauma response team was mobilized following the collision.
In a statement, the division expressed sympathy for the families and acknowledged that grief affects individuals differently, noting that additional mental health resources would remain available.
Community leaders across the region also shared their condolences. Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland described the loss as profound, while Edson Mayor Kevin Zahara said the community stands with the affected families and teammates.
Cpl. Matthew Howell told CTV News Edmonton that any loss of life is tragic, particularly when it involves young people at the beginning of their lives.
The deaths of Hills and Peacock mark the second fatal crash involving teen hockey players in Alberta this month.
As the investigation into the collision continues, communities across northeastern Alberta are supporting the families of Danica Hills and Kayla Lorene Peacock, remembering them as athletes, students, and friends.
