CBC Lite
   Sections

News • Canada • Saskatchewan

Roughriders linebacker and captain Jayden Dalke killed in crash

   Aishwarya Dudha
   | CBC News | Posted: July 19, 2026 8:24 PM | Last Updated: 18
   hours ago

   Team says the 30-year-old from Leduc, Alta., was 'the true
   definition of what it means to be a Roughrider'

   Image | CFL Roughriders Scrimmage 20230520

   Caption: Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker and captain Jayden
   Dalke. (The Canadian Press)
   (BUTTON) Load image
   Open image in new tab
   UPDATE | July 20, 2026: RCMP released more information about
   the crash on July 20, after publication of this story. Read
   more here.
   The Saskatchewan Roughriders are mourning linebacker and team
   captain Jayden Dalke, who died in a car crash Saturday evening.
   The team announced his death in a statement Sunday.
   "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," the
   statement said.
   "Jayden had a unique gift of making the people around him feel
   special and valued," the team said. "No one ever left a
   conversation with him without a smile."
   The team said Dalke, 30, was "the true definition of what it
   means to be a Saskatchewan Roughrider," and offered condolences
   to a family that "traveled the country to watch Jayden live his
   dream."
   Dalke grew up in Leduc, Alta., and played junior football with
   the Edmonton Wildcats before three seasons with the University
   of Alberta Golden Bears, where he was named a U Sports
   all-Canadian.

   Image | Dalke_1920x1080

   Caption: Roughriders linebacker and captain Jayden Dalke, who
   was killed in a crash Saturday night. (Submitted by
   Saskatchewan Roughriders)
   (BUTTON) Load image
   Open image in new tab
   Greg McCulloch co-hosts the Piffles Podcast, a Roughriders fan
   show he's been working on for 11 years, and said his phone
   started going off Sunday.
   McCulloch said he was “gutted” to hear the news. "A guy that's
   30, literally cut down in his prime."
   He said he knew Dalke's family. They started following the
   podcast after Dalke was drafted in 2022, commenting online and
   turning up in person. At this year's home opener, he said, they
   were tailgating three stalls away.
   "His dad came and brought us some watermelon," McCulloch said.
   "There's a family hurting."
   The Roughriders are scheduled to return to the field on
   Thursday, which will be an emotional game, McCulloch says.
   "You have to think it is going to be a struggle all week.
   Losing a brother in arms, a guy that was just there before and
   now you got an empty locker," he said.
   "You've got a spot that someone else is going to definitely
   fill in, but it's not the guy [who] used to be a team captain,
   like a Grey Cup champion."

League, team tributes

   The Canadian Football League (CFL) also released a statement
   Sunday afternoon. "It is with tremendous sadness that we share
   the tragic news of Jayden’s passing. He was a passionate
   competitor who played with incredible heart," the league said.
   "Off the field, he will be remembered for his leadership in the
   locker room and his dedication to the community. "
   The CFL said that it has lost a teammate, a Canadian brother
   and a friend. The league extended condolences to Dalke's
   family, friends and all those knew him.
   The Winnipeg Blue Bombers paid their respects in a social media
   statement. The organization said it's heartbroken to learn of
   the passing of Dalke.
   "Our thoughts are with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Jayden’s
   teammates and coaches, and most of all with his family during
   this incredibly difficult time."
   The B.C. Lions also posted on social media, saying "there are
   moments bigger than the game, and today we lost a brother."

More Stories Like This

   The related links below are generated automatically based on
   the story you’ve just read.

   Loading...
   CBC Lite is a low-bandwidth website. To see what's new, check
   out our release notes. For high quality images, media,
   comments, and other additional features visit the full version
   of this story.
   We and select advertising partners use trackers to collect some
   of your data in order to enhance your experience and to deliver
   personalized content and advertising. If you are not
   comfortable with the use of this information, please review
   your device and browser privacy settings before continuing your
   visit. Learn more about Online Tracking and Privacy Choices.
     * Corrections and Clarifications
     * Terms of Use
     * Reuse & Permission
     * Privacy Notice
     * Accessibility
     * Contact a Newsroom
     * Submit Feedback
     * Lite Help Centre
     * Jobs
     * RSS

   CBC Lite version: 1.8.20. © 2026 CBC/Radio-Canada. All rights
   reserved.