Leduc-born CFL star Jayden Dalke dead at 30

UPDATE (July 20, 2026) -- More information has been released following the fatal vehicle collision involving Leduc-born CFL player Jayden Dalke.

According to to Saskatchewan RCMP, the collision occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. on July 18 and involved Dalke's silver SUV, and a black SUV driven by 22-year-old Regina resident Bhishma Rajyaguru. Police report that the crash took place on Highway 11 between Lumsden and Regina, and that Dalke's vehicle was travelling on the wrong side of the road when the collision occurred. Both men were killed as a result.

"Officers located alcohol and cannabis in the silver SUV," reads a release issued by Saskatchewan RCMP. "Autopsies and toxicology will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation."

The Lumsden Fire Department also responded to the scene, saying that upon their arrival, they encountered one vehicle in the centre median and one in the southbound ditch. One male patient was pulled from the vehicle in the southbound ditch by bystanders, and firefighters took over CPR efforts from bystanders. The individual was later declared deceased on scene by EMS. The other individual was entrapped in the vehicle in the center meridian and was declared deceased on scene.

An RCMP collision reconstructionist has been brought in to assist in the ongoing investigation.

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LEDUC -- Leduc-born football star Jayden Dalke has passed away at the age of 30.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders' linebacker was involved in a fatal vehicle collision on Saturday, July 18, according to the team. It's reported that the 30-year-old was on his way back to Regina after spending the Riders' bye week in his hometown of Leduc. Dalke, who attended Leduc Composite High School and helped the 2013 Leduc Tigers win a Metro Edmonton High School Athletics championship, was selected by Saskatchewan in the sixth round of the 2022 CFL draft. He would quickly become one of the team's fan favourites, known for his determination, toughness, and work ethic.

“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the tragic news of Jayden's passing," said CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnson. "He was a passionate competitor who played with incredible heart. Off the field, he will be remembered for his leadership in the locker room and his dedication to the community. The CFL has lost a teammate, a Canadian brother and a friend."

Dalke was an integral part of the Roughriders' 2025 Grey Cup Championship -- their first since 2013. Prior to that, he spent four Prairie Football Conference seasons with the Edmonton Wildcats before joining the University of Alberta Golden Bears. He then caught the eye of scouts during the 2022 CFL Combine while recovering from a re-tearing of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee. The scouts praised the Leduc-native for giving 100 per cent despite being nowhere near that physically. This show of determination would become a hallmark of Dalke's football career. 

"It is with profound sadness that the Saskatchewan Roughriders mourn the loss of linebacker and team captain Jayden Dalke, who passed away in a car accident yesterday evening," reads a statement from the Roughriders. "A relentless warrior on the field, Jayden’s determination, toughness, and work ethic inspired his teammates, who cared deeply for him and are heartbroken by his passing. Jayden had a unique gift of making the people around him feel special and valued. No one ever left a conversation with him without a smile. On and off the field, he was the true definition of what it means to be a Saskatchewan Roughrider."

Dalke was presented with the Leduc Achievement Award by Leduc City Council in 2024.