A chilling silence descended on the highway east of Jasper Monday night, shattering the lives of two young women and casting a pall of grief over two communities. A collision between a pickup truck and a semi-truck claimed the lives of a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, both from Hinton, Alberta.
Emergency crews raced to the scene on Highway 16, near the Jasper Transfer Station, at 7:15 p.m., but their efforts proved futile. The driver and passenger of the pickup were pronounced dead at the scene, their promising futures extinguished in an instant. The driver of the semi-truck escaped with no serious injuries, but the weight of the tragedy will undoubtedly linger.
The news rippled through Harry Collinge High School in Hinton, where the two girls were students. Principal Ryan Maguhn, in a message filled with sorrow, announced their passing, extending heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and the entire school community. A wave of disbelief and mourning quickly spread.
Jasper’s mayor, Richard Ireland, echoed the sentiment of profound loss, acknowledging the incomprehensible pain felt by those closest to the young women. He spoke of a shared grief, a collective holding of space for everyone affected by the devastating event. The tragedy resonated deeply within the town.
Harry Collinge High School has suspended classes until Wednesday, recognizing the need for time to grieve and heal. Counselors are available both in-person and online, offering support to students grappling with the sudden and heartbreaking loss. The school is prioritizing the well-being of its community.
Outpouring of grief extended beyond the school walls, flooding social media with messages of remembrance and sympathy. Jasper Minor Sports mourned the loss of two beloved U18 Bearcats teammates, describing them as “bright shining lights” on the ice. The hockey community is reeling from the shock.
Hinton’s mayor, Bryan LaBerge, expressed the unimaginable pain felt by families and the entire town. He spoke of the profound connection between parents and children, and the incomprehensibility of such a loss. The tragedy has shaken the foundations of the community.
The highway, usually a conduit for travel and connection, now stands as a stark reminder of fragility and loss. The memory of these two young women, their dreams and potential, will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew them and the communities they called home.
