The death toll from the April 6 bus crash between the Humboldt Broncos bus and a semi-trailer has now risen to 16.
Canadian Press reported Wednesday (April 11) that Dayna Brons, the team's trainer, has passed away from injuries sustained in the accident.
Olds resident Graysen Cameron is among about 14 players injured injured in the crash which occurred about 130 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon Friday night. The collision, involving a semi-trailer, killed 15 people, RCMP say.
The collision occurred at about 5 p.m. as the team was on its way for a playoff game with the Nipawin Hawks. On Facebook, the Nipawin Hawks said the playoff game against the Broncos had been cancelled.
Reports indicate Cameron, 18, survived the collision. However, the extent of his injuries could not be confirmed at press time.
Cameron is an enthusiastic hockey and lacrosse player.
Olds Minor Hockey Association past-president Mike Pieper says the association is happy to hear that Cameron is "among the lucky ones" in that he survived the crash.
Andy Sweetman, co-manager of the Mavericks and Stingers lacrosse teams along with Gary Gaudette, says Cameron is an outstanding player for the Mavericks. He was also very close with fellow hockey and lacrosse player Ryan McBeath of Olds, who passed away in a two-vehicle accident last month.
Both were also players with the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs Midget AAA hockey team, which sent out a tweet Friday night indicating that Cameron had survived the crash. Chiefs president Brent Sutter said the team's prayers are with those affected.
"I talked to his stepdad Jason, and his mom, Pam, is already on her way up there," Sweetman said Saturday. "We don't know exactly the extent of any of his injuries at the moment, but we do know he's alive and talking."
Sweetman said a tribute will be paid to McBeath when the Olds Stingers lacrosse team holds its home opener this Friday, April 13, at about 8:50 p.m., just before game time.
He said Cameron has played on the Mavericks junior team for the past couple of years, with a great ability to play offence and defence.
"Same as Ryan McBeath, he loves hockey; it's his first passion, but he's a helluva lacrosse player too," Sweetman said.
The Mavericks' season doesn't begin until April 27. Sweetman would like to have Cameron in the lineup, but he said that will be up to Cameron and his family.
"He's a really close friend of Ryan's. I think that hit him hard and then this, so I honestly don't know where he's going to be mentally, even," Sweetman said.
Sweetman said in addition to the tribute for McBeath, both local lacrosse teams will be wearing shoulder patches this season in honour of Ryan.
The Tier III championship banner the Stingers won last year before they moved up to Tier II will also be raised.
Sweetman said it's too early to say what will be done before Friday's game regarding Cameron in light of Friday's accident.
"Right now for us, it's getting more information, just to see where he's at and what his thoughts are," he said.
Premier Rachel Notely issued a statement Saturday regarding the collision.
“To the parents and loved ones of the Humboldt Broncos, the people of Alberta grieve with you over your loss and are moved by its gravity," she said.
“This tragedy has rocked the Prairies and our entire country. Young men from Alberta, Saskatchewan and across Western Canada play for the Broncos, and even more have dreamed of playing for the Broncos. Hockey communities unite our country. We are a family, and we support you.
“Countless young athletes and their families travel our highways on those buses, going from game to game or tournament to tournament. It is a core part of life on our prairies. While we can only imagine your pain, it’s heartbreaking.
“As we learn more about what happened, may we also learn more about the incredible people we have lost. Dedicated athletes, strong young Canadians, respected community leaders and, above all, people loved by their families and friends.
“We would also like to recognize and thank the first responders and medical personnel who were there to help.
“To all who have been touched by this tragedy, we support you. We are here for you. We will stand with you.”
