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Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Jayden Dalke died in a vehicle crash on Saturday night.
The team confirmed his death on Sunday.
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. A relentless warrior on the field, Jayden’s determination, toughness and work ethic inspired his… pic.twitter.com/w99uFZqTnT
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) July 19, 2026
“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. Off the field, he will be remembered for his leadership in the locker room and his dedication to the community,” CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said in a written statement.
“The CFL has lost a teammate, a Canadian brother and a friend. On behalf of the Board of Governors, our CFL family and the entire Canadian football community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jayden’s family, friends, the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and all those whose lives were bettered through knowing him.”
Several Riders team-mates also shared their grief at the news on X, including quarterback Tommy Stevens and defensive back Rollan Milligan Jr.
Doesn’t feel real man…
— Tommy Stevens (@TMS_II) July 19, 2026
Dalke was the best teammate and the best friend a guy could ever ask for.
Thank you for always treating me like family from the very beginning. I will cherish those memories for the rest of my life. I wish I could tell you how much you meant to me.
I… https://t.co/LOzQp9shgf
beautiful human being. glad to have gained a brother. LL38 💚🕊️
— Rolan Milligan Jr. (@rmilliganjr) July 19, 2026
The 30-year-old linebacker was the team’s sixth-round selection (54th overall) in the 2022 CFL Draft.
He suited up for 68 games over five seasons, recording 69 tackles, 31 special teams tackles, a sack, an interception and three forced fumbles.
Prior to joining the Riders, the Leduc, Alta. athlete played in 16 games over three seasons at the University of Alberta. He recorded 94 tackles, three interceptions, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in a Golden Bears uniform. In 2021, he was named a Canada West First-Team All-Star and a U Sports Second-Team All-Canadian.
In 2019, he was a unanimous choice as a Canada West First-Team All-Star.
He also played with the Prairie Football Conference’s Edmonton Wildcats from 2015-18.
CFL teams acroos the league also posted condolence messages on X.
The Edmonton Elks organization extends its condolences to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the friends and family of Jayden Dalke.
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) July 19, 2026
A local product, Jayden’s pro football journey began in Edmonton as a member of both the Edmonton Wildcats and the University of Alberta Golden… https://t.co/RF4jFBiZjb
The Stampeders mourn the passing of Jayden Dalke and offer heartfelt condolences to Jayden’s family and friends and the entire Roughriders organization.
— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) July 19, 2026
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jayden Dalke.
— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) July 19, 2026
On behalf of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jayden’s family, his teammates, the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.… pic.twitter.com/xmCAPinpRm
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers organization is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jayden Dalke.
— Winnipeg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) July 19, 2026
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 CFL is a close-knit… pic.twitter.com/HFR5pGjG1H
The Toronto Argonauts extend our deepest condolences following the tragic loss of Jayden Dalke.
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) July 19, 2026
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time. https://t.co/uR8Cqw081y
Statement on the tragic passing of Jayden Dalke. pic.twitter.com/4ZbPOp9h0l
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) July 19, 2026
L’organisation des Alouettes de Montréal aimerait offrir ses plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux proches de Jayden Dalke ainsi qu’à la grande famille des Roughriders.
— Alouettes de Montréal (@MTLAlouettes) July 19, 2026
—
The Montreal Alouettes organization would like to extend their sincere condolences to Jayden Dalke’s… https://t.co/4mGIKJee8B
Sending thoughts and love to all who knew Jayden, including his friends, family, and teammates.
— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) July 19, 2026
As part of the CFL, we want to let the entire Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and Jayden’s family know that we are sending our condolences from Ottawa during this difficult… https://t.co/VVstyeHxd9
The Riders were set to return to practice on Sunday following their second bye week of the season, but cancelled it.
980 CJME has reached out to the RCMP to confirm details about the crash but had not received a response at the time of publication.
On Saturday night, Lumsden Fire Department posted on X that it was responding to a two-vehicle crash but there has been no official confirmation on if it is related to Dalke’s death.
LFD has been dispatched to a 2 vehicle MVC east of Lumsden on highway 11
— Lumsden Fire Dept (@LumsdenFire) July 19, 2026
In a statement, Lumsden Fire indicated it was dispatched to a two-vehicle crash east of Lumsden on Highway 11. Upon their arrival, they encountered one vehicle in the center median and one in the southbound ditch.
One man was receiving CPR from bystanders before fire department members took over. LFD members took over CPR from bystanders. The patient was later declared dead by EMS. One man was entrapped in the vehicle in the center meridian and was also declared dead on scene by EMS.
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