EDMONTON: A devastating motor vehicle accident on Highway 16 has claimed the lives of two young female hockey players, identified as Kayla Peacock, 17, and Danica Hills, 18. The tragic collision occurred Monday night when the pickup truck they were traveling in collided with a semi-trailer.
The two athletes were returning to their homes in Hinton following a team photo shoot and practice session in Jasper. Preliminary reports suggest that poor weather conditions and icy, snow-covered roads were significant factors in the accident. Both girls were Grade 12 students at Harry Collinge High School in Hinton and were described by the local mayor as “shining stars” of their community. Kayla Peacock was not only a prominent hockey player but also held the title of Rimbey Rodeo Queen.
This incident marks a dark month for Alberta’s hockey community, following another crash in early February that claimed the lives of three other young players. In total, Canada has lost five young athletes within the span of just three weeks. Special memorial ceremonies will be held during Friday’s hockey games to honor the victims, and GoFundMe pages have been established to support the grieving families.
