It was a routine trip for a hockey team. The Humboldt Broncos headed north to take on the Nipawin Hawks in game five of the SJHL semi-finals. The team was fighting to come back after losing game four earlier in the week, and being down 3-1 in the series, and looking forward to game five, a game which would never happen.
At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Apr. 6, a semi collided with the bus transporting the Humboldt Broncos to the game. Of the 29 people on the bus, 14 were initially reported deceased, with a 15th fatality the following day. The bus was travelling north on Highway 335, while the semi trailer unit was travelling west on Highway 35. The driver and lone occupant of the semi was uninjured in the crash and was released.
The investigation is ongoing. In a release, “F” Division’s Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, stated the scope and complexity of this investigation means it will take some time to determine the cause of the collision and circumstances surrounding it.
The Office of the Chief Coroner and the RCMP have released the names of those deceased in the incident. Players: Adam Herold, 16-year-old male from Montmartre, SK. Connor Lukan, 21-year-old male from Slave Lake, AB. Evan Thomas 18-year-old male from Saskatoon, SK. Jacob Leicht, 19-year-old male from Humboldt, SK. Jaxon Joseph, 20-year-old male from Edmonton, AB. Logan Boulet, 21-year-old male from Lethbridge, AB. Logan Hunter, 18-year-old male from St. Albert, AB. Logan Schatz, 20-year-old male from Allan, SK. Stephen Wack, 21-year-old male from St. Albert, AB. Parker Tobin, 18-year-old male from Stoney Plain, AB. Team Personnel: Brody Hinz, 18-year-old male from Humboldt, SK. Darcy Haugan, 42-year-old male from Humboldt, SK. Glen Doerksen, 59-year-old male from Carrot River, SK. Mark Cross, 27-year-old male from Strasbourg, SK. Tyler Bieber, 29-year-old male from Humboldt, SK.
Update: Athletic therapist, Dayna Brons, 24, the only female on the bus, died of her injuries on April 11.
Broncos President Kevin Garinger spoke on behalf of the team.
“We are heartbroken and completely devastated by the tragedy that occurred yesterday. Our eternal gratitude goes out to the Humboldt and Nipawin fire departments, paramedics, the RCMP, emergency services crews and witnesses for their selfless acts of bravery while trying to help those in need, our Humboldt Broncos.”
SJHL President Bill Chow said that the league is still determining what will happen with the rest of the season.
“We will have conversations as to what the Humboldt Broncos want to do,” he said. “We will then have some discussions with the governors of our league and whatever decision we make, we’re going to do what we think is in the best interest of everybody involved.
“There are going to be some people who disagree with whatever we decide and there’s going to be people who agree with what we decide. And so at the end of the day, what we’re going to do is what we think is right.”
Within Yorkton, a candlelight vigil was held at the Farrell Agencies Arena in honor of the Humboldt team. The Yorkton Terriers compete against the Broncos in the SJHL.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement of support for the Humboldt Broncos:
“An entire country is in shock and mourning today as we learn more about the tragic bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos that claimed the lives of 14 people, and injured many more.
“We are heartbroken knowing many of those we lost had their entire lives in front of them. We grieve with those facing news no parent or family should ever have to face. And our hearts go out to the community that has lost teammates, coaches, friends, and mentors.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare. No one should ever have to see their child leave to play the sport they love and never come back.
“Our national hockey family is a close one, with roots in almost every town – small and big – across Canada. Humboldt is no exception, and today the country and the entire hockey community stands with you.
“I thank the first responders – the RCMP, the Provincial Response Team, and medical personnel – who worked tirelessly through the night, and continue to respond to this incredibly difficult situation with courage and professionalism.
“To the entire Humboldt community: We are here for you. As neighbours, as friends, and as Canadians, we grieve alongside you.”
Premier Scott Moe released a statement on Apr. 6:
“Words can not describe the loss that we feel tonight. The news I have heard is difficult to comprehend.
“Our province has always been one community. At our core, we are one small town, neighbours, friends and families.
“To the City of Humboldt, the entire Broncos organization, and the families impacted by this tragedy, please know you are in Saskatchewan’s hearts.
“From a grieving province, thank you to every one of the first responders and medical professionals for your courageous response under the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
“Tonight, we all must pray for these families.”
Both Trudeau and Moe attended the candlelight vigil at the Elgar Peterson Arena in Humboldt on Apr. 8.
Support also poured in from throughout the NHL, and the game between the Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks the following night saw all players wear a “Broncos” name patch on their jerseys in support of the team.
In the wake of the incident, a GoFundMe site was created in order to raise funds for the families affected by the incident. At press time, it has raised just over $7,300,000. It can be found at https://ca.gofundme.com/funds-for-humboldt-broncos.
With files from Christopher Lee of the Humboldt Journal.
