Former York University student among dead in tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash

One of the 15 victims of the devastating Humboldt Broncos junior hockey bus crash was a former assistant captain for York University’s men’s hockey team.

York Athletics & Recreation said that the university was “extremely saddened” by the news that former York University hockey player Mark Cross was one of the victims of the tragic crash.

Cross was one of the 29 people on board the passenger bus that was hit by a semi-trailer in rural Saskatchewan as the team was on its way to Nipawin for a playoff game Friday night.

“Mark was an exceptional young man, an assistant captain during his time at York and the team MVP in his fifth and final season in 2015-16,” Russ Herrington, the head coach of the York Lions’ men’s hockey team, said in a written statement.

Cross, 27, graduated with a degree in kinesiology and health science in 2016. Following graduation, he moved to Saskatchewan where he worked an assistant coach with the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

“We are devastated that one of our own passed away in the horrific bus crash in Saskatchewan on Friday. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family and friends in this very difficult time,” reads a tweet from York University Lions.

We are devastated that one of our own passed away in the horrific bus crash in Saskatchewan on Friday. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family and friends in this very difficult time. #HumboldtStrong #foreveralionhttps://t.co/YxOl3mJakD pic.twitter.com/Cc3dBMB4T3

— York Lions (@yorkulions) April 7, 2018

To keep Cross’ memory alive, the Athletics & Recreation department at York University has established a fund to support the men’s hockey program in his honour.

The department will also be matching dollar for dollar the first $50,000 in donations. You can show your support by clicking here.