A community in western Alberta is mourning the tragic loss of two teenage hockey players after a fatal collision on Highway 16. The young athletes, ages 17 and 18, were driving home to Hinton following a practice with the U18 Jasper Bearcats when their pickup truck collided with a semi-trailer. The incident occurred around 7:15 PM, just 45 minutes after their practice concluded, highlighting the close-knit nature of the communities as many residents travel between Jasper and Hinton for work and activities.

Hinton Mayor Brian LaBerge expressed the communal grieving following this accident, emphasizing how interconnected the two towns are. Numerous residents commute daily between Jasper and Hinton, revealing a shared social and economic bond that extends beyond just the highway. The mayor noted that the loss would deeply affect not just the families of the girls but the entire community, as these young athletes were known and loved in the area.

As investigations continue, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) indicated that poor road conditions may have been a factor in the crash, further worrying residents about safety on these routes. This tragic event underscores the risks faced by those traveling on rural highways, especially as winter approaches in Alberta, and may prompt discussions on road safety measures in the region.