The community of Hinton is mourning the loss of two daughters, friends, students and teammates.

Last night (February 23, 2026) at approximately 7:15 p.m., Jasper RCMP responded to a report of a collision involving a pickup and a semi-truck on Highway 16. They were assisted by Hinton RCMP, EMS and the Jasper Fire Department.

While on-scene, EMS declared the pickup’s 17-year-old driver and the 18-year-old passenger, both residents of Hinton, deceased. 

Both victims were students of Harry Collinge High School in Hinton. Both also played with the Jasper U18 Bearcats mixed hockey team. The two friends were travelling home after hockey practice when the accident occurred. Road conditions are believed to be a factor in the collision, police said.

RCMP have not released the names of the victims.

Town of Hinton Mayor Brian LaBerge said in a statement that the loss to all families involved is incomprehensible. 

“We live for our children,” LaBerge said. “I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to the friends, teammates and families of anyone impacted by this tragedy.”

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland also released a statement extending his community’s deepest sympathies to its neighbours.

“A loss of this magnitude is beyond comprehension,” Ireland said. “While we cannot fully understand the depth of pain their loved ones are experiencing, we grieve alongside them and hold space in our hearts and in our thoughts for everyone affected.”

Jasper Local staff // info@thejasperlocal.com