Family and friends of a 17-year-old killed in a vehicle collision last week will gather in the Ralph Klein Centre Wednesday to memorialize the teen known widely in the Central Alberta hockey community.
Olds resident Ryan McBeath died in a vehicle collision on Highway 27 east of Torrington on the morning of March 13.
Three Hills RCMP say a semi tanker travelling southbound on Rge. Rd. 252 entered onto the highway and the trailer was struck broadside by a westbound Jeep Patriot.
McBeath was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the semi did not suffer any injuries.
People from around Central Alberta and beyond were grief-stricken by the loss.
“Optimist Chiefs are heartbroken by the passing of our teammate, one of our captains, but more importantly of our friend @rmcbeath3. He was a one of a kind player but an even better person. He gave everything (he) had for his brothers on the team! Thoughts are with his family! #Rm,” the Red Deer team wrote in a message shared on Twitter.
McBeath had played hockey the past three seasons with the midget AAA team.
He recently joined the Drumheller Dragons as an affiliate player, scoring his first AJHL goal in January.
“Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of @rmcbeath3, as well as his teammates both on the @RDOptimstChiefs and the @drumdragons. Ryan will forever be in our hearts. #RM,” wrote the Drumheller team on twitter.
Coaches Corner co-host Don Cherry gave his condolences over national television to McBeath’s mother Shannon, father Barry, and brother Robert, during Saturday night’s Hockey Night In Canada.
“Isn’t he a beautiful looking boy,” Cherry commented as pictures of McBeath flashed over the screen.
Flags at Olds schools flew at half-mast last week. Additional supports were made available to students including stress dogs at Olds High School, where McBeath was set to graduate this year.
Hockey teams from around the region honoured McBeath during their games last week.
The AJHL’s Brooks Bandits held a moment of silence before the team’s March 16 game against the Drumheller Dragons.
Moments of silence were also held during the Leduc Midget AAA Oil Kings' game against the K of C Pats and the Red Deer Rebels' game against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Attendees at McBeath’s March 21 service are encouraged to wear their favourite hockey jersey.
In an effort to assist the family, The Ryan McBeath Memorial Fund has been set up at Mountain View Credit Union in Olds. Deposits can be made at the branch.
