Death toll following Saskatchewan bus crash rises to 15: RCMP

NIPAWIN, SK. (NEWS 1130) – It is every parent’s worst nightmare.

People in Saskatchewan and across the country are trying to come to terms with a tragic crash involving the team bus of a junior hockey team that has left 15 people dead and 14 others hurt, three of which are in critical condition.

Among the dead are three players and the head coach of the Humboldt Broncos. Coach Darcy Haugan’s wife confirmed the news to The Canadian Press. Captain Logan Schatz led the team for the past two-and-a-half years, says his father Kelly Schatz. The 20-year-old played for the Broncos for just over four years.

The Surrey Eagles of the BCHL have also tweeted former player Jaxon Joseph was killed in the crash. He played in that league during the 2015-2016.

A defenceman for the team is also among the dead. Alicia Wack, cousin of Stephen Wack, told The Canadian Press

A play-by-play radio announcer for the Humboldt Broncos hockey team is also among the dead. Tyler Bieber worked for the Humboldt station CHBO.

Investigation underway

Saskatchewan RCMP say it may be a long time before investigators can determine what caused the collision.

RCMP Assistant Commissioner Curtis Zablocki says the investigation will be looking at all aspects of the crash to figure out what happened.

“This is a very involved investigation and due to the large amount of evidence, information and the number of victims this work will take some time. It’s too early to comment on the cause of the collision and we will continue to provide updates as this investigation progresses.”

He adds the initial investigation has determined the tractor trailer was going westbound on Highway 335 and the bus was travelling northbound on Highway 35.

Zablocki adds the truck driver was not injured and was detained by police before being released.

Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench says everyone is struggling.

“I think everyone can relate to this experience. Throughout Canada we see teams going out into the Canadian winters on buses all the time and it’s always a thought in parents and fans minds about what could happen and it unfortunately has happened here in Humboldt.”

In their first press conference following the crash, RCMP confirmed the highway at the time of the crash was experiencing “winter driving conditions.”

 

Choking back tears, Broncos President Kevin Garinger says parents are at a loss. “It’s one of the hardest days of my life.”

He adds everyone is in shock. “I just got off the phone with the prime minister. He sent his condolences to our city, to the Broncos, to the families and he also passed along condolences from a number of world leaders that have phoned him as well.”

Garinger said the Broncos are a very close-knit team from the small city of about 6,000 people, 110 kilometres east of Saskatoon.

“This team has been an incredible rock in this community,” he said. “These young athletes. They are incredible young men, every one of them.”

Garinger said all the team can do now is help the players and their families anyway they can. “We just need to try to support each other as we deal with this incredible loss to our community, to our province, to our hockey world.”

The Broncos were on their way to play in Game 5 of a semi-final against the Nipawin Hawks, now, a vigil will be held on Sunday night.

Grainger added the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team includes players from Edmonton, Slave Lake and Airdrie in Alberta and from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Michelle Straschnitzki, who lives in Airdrie, said her 18-year old son Ryan had been taken to hospital in Saskatoon.

“We talked to him, but he said he couldn’t feel his lower extremities so I don’t know what’s going on,” she said, noting she will go to Saskatchewan today. “I am freaking out. I am so sad for all of the teammates and I am losing my mind.”

Hockey teams and players from leagues across North America tweeted messages of support, many with the hashtag #prayersforhumboldt.

This isn’t the first time a crash like this has happened. Four members of the Swift Current Broncos were killed in a bus crash in Saskatchewan in 1986.

Former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy, who was one of the players on the bus in 1986, also sent a message of support. “Sending all my thoughts and prayers to those impacted with the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.”

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is a Junior ‘A’ hockey league under Hockey Canada, which is part of the Canadian Junior Hockey League. It’s open to North American-born players between the age of 16 and 20.

There is an online fundraising campaign set up for family members of the team.