Canadian support pours in after tragic Humboldt bus crash involving junior hockey team kills 14
UPDATE: Police have since stated that there were actually 29 people on the bus, 15 killed by the crash, and 14 injured.
A bus carrying a Canadian junior hockey team collided with a tractor-trailer Friday evening in Saskatchewan, killing 14 people and injuring 14 others, authorities said.
Police say there were 28 people onboard the bus, which was en route to Nipawin for a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League semifinals playoff game, when the crash took place about 30 kilometres north of Tisdale, Saskatchewan.
“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of our staff and athletes as well as to all who have been impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss,” said Humboldt Broncos President, Kevin Garinger in a statement.
Police say head coach Darcy Haugan and team captain Logan Schatz were among the 14 people killed in the crash.
Most of the Humboldt Broncos players are from Saskatchewan and Alberta and range in age from 16 to 21, according to an online team roster.
Derek Grayson and Nick bonding and healing in hospital pic.twitter.com/DzesIoT27B
— R J patter (@rjpatter) April 7, 2018
A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign, set up by a resident of Humboldt, has raised more than $720,000, at the time of publishing, to help players and families cope following the crash.
Following the news, tributes have been pouring in on social media to honour the victims and everyone affected.
I’m not sure if this makes it more real or more heartbreaking. This is Darcy Haugan, Head Coach of the Humboldt Broncos & his beautiful young family. Sadly, Darcy is one of the 14 confirmed dead. Our entire hockey family are praying for you #PrayersForHumboldt #HumboltBroncos pic.twitter.com/bG8VpNw3Fq
— Mookie Wilson (@Mookalicious) April 7, 2018
My big little brother, Darcy. The tears just keep coming… pic.twitter.com/HyhpQ4PIhe
— invisigirlonfire (@DebbieJayneC) April 7, 2018
My uncle loved people and loved his family. His loss will affect so many. Until I see you again, Uncle Darcy💔 forever Humboldt Broncos head coach.
— Sarah M Something (@SarahMSomething) April 7, 2018
I cannot imagine what these parents are going through, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, in the Humboldt community and beyond. https://t.co/2cIn2CTy08
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 7, 2018
Prime Minister Trudeau’s full statement:
“An entire country is in shock and mourning today as we learn more about the tragic bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos that claimed the lives of 14 people, and injured many more.
We are heartbroken knowing many of those we lost had their entire lives in front of them. We grieve with those facing news no parent or family should ever have to face. And our hearts go out to the community that has lost teammates, coaches, friends, and mentors.
This is every parent’s worst nightmare. No one should ever have to see their child leave to play the sport they love and never come back.
Our national hockey family is a close one, with roots in almost every town – small and big – across Canada. Humboldt is no exception, and today the country and the entire hockey community stands with you.
I thank the first responders – the RCMP, the Provincial Response Team, and medical personnel – who worked tirelessly through the night, and continue to respond to this incredibly difficult situation with courage and professionalism.
To the entire Humboldt community: We are here for you. As neighbours, as friends, and as Canadians, we grieve alongside you.”
We are shocked and saddened over the tragic news of the accident involving the Humboldt Broncos.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the Broncos organization, the families, the friends, the fans and entire Humboldt community. #PrayersForHumboldt https://t.co/Skv6ylria8 pic.twitter.com/F8ElWijpUr
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) April 7, 2018
We are all here for you. Whatever. Whenever. ❤ #prayforhumboldt pic.twitter.com/Vb4Mhj1N49
— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) April 7, 2018
Humbolt Broncos…Victims, loved ones. We are reaching out to hold you. To share . In this moment all that ever happened doesn’t seem to matter. It did. It does.They do. You do. We love you.
— Ron MacLean (@RonMacLeanHTH) April 7, 2018
We send condolence, comfort and strength to all affected by the devastating crash involving the Humboldt Broncos’ team bus. pic.twitter.com/VScEay6sZv
— NHL (@NHL) April 7, 2018
There are no words right now. My family and I are praying for all those affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.
— Ryan Smyth (@RealSmytty94) April 7, 2018
Crying reading the posts/updates about the Humboldt Broncos. Canada is broken down and on our knees grieving for the players and their families. We weep together with the hockey community and the devastated town of Humboldt. 💔
— Arlene Dickinson (@ArleneDickinson) April 7, 2018
Thoughts are back in Sask tonight with the Humboldt Broncos and their families. Terrible tragedy.
— morgan rielly (@mriles4) April 7, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones and community of the Humboldt Broncos. From our family to yours, we send our condolences and hearts during this difficult time.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 7, 2018
Laureen and I are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic accident that took place in Saskatchewan. We extend our deepest condolences to the Humboldt Broncos organization; the families of those affected and the entire community are in our prayers during this very difficult time.
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) April 7, 2018
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the Humboldt Broncos and the families of those affected at this difficult time. The Canadiens and the entire hockey community grieves with you.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 7, 2018
I can barely fathom the pain for all. My heart breaks for the families of the Humboldt Broncos, the people of Saskatchewan, and our country. #humboltstrong
— Darcy Michael (@theDarcyMichael) April 7, 2018
Words can not describe the loss that we feel tonight.
From a grieving province, thank you to first responders & medical professionals for courageous response under the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
Tonight, we all must pray for these families.https://t.co/dEnhKMkDxJ
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) April 7, 2018
I am a hockey mom in Saskatoon. If you or family members need a place to stay or any other assistance please contact me.
— Rosemary Armstrong (@RosieHMA) April 7, 2018
We are all Broncos now. This story is so tragic and every Canadian will feel it. It strikes to the heart of so many small towns and big where we watch our young board buses and travel the countryside for the game we all love. So incredibly sad. #prayforhumbolt
— Peter Mansbridge (@petermansbridge) April 7, 2018
Today I grieve for my son Mat, his friends and my billet son Zack as they all knew kids on the Humboldt Broncos bus. I can’t imagine the pain the families, billet families and fans are feeling right now. #PrayersForHumboldt
— Tammy Hawkes (@Tammy_RH) April 7, 2018
Humboldt…… words can’t fix anything right now, but know that our tears flow alongside yours. You are hurting, so that means we are all hurting. Our entire country is wrapping its arms around your community. We are here for you.
— Dan O’Toole (@tsnotoole) April 7, 2018
The horrible tragedy last night in Saskatchewan is every parent’s worst nightmare. Our thoughts are with the community of Humboldt, the team and families of the @HumboldtBroncos and the people of Saskatchewan.
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) April 7, 2018
My heart is heavy right now. Praying for all those affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.
— Milan Lucic (@27MilanLucic) April 7, 2018
There are no words, really. This is unimaginable grief and unfathomable loss, as it was Dec. 30, 1986, for Swift Current Broncos and Jan. 12, 2008 for Bathurst, N.B., boys basketball team. Such an enormous hole in the Humboldt Bronco family/community. No words; just thoughts. 🙏
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 7, 2018
Mayor Rob Muench lays flowers on the steps of the Humboldt Broncos ice hockey rink pic.twitter.com/JaKbJkksRF
— Charles Hamilton (@_chamilton) April 7, 2018
Keeping the whole Humboldt community and their families in mind today. Heartbreaking. #HockeyFamily
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) April 7, 2018
The Toronto sign has been lit green and yellow today – the team colours of the Humboldt Broncos. The sign will dim at 6 p.m. tonight to commemorate the lives lost in this terrible tragedy. pic.twitter.com/siBOySORFl
— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 7, 2018
“I can’t even imagine what the families are going through.” Saskatchewan native Derek Dorsett comments on the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. #HumboldtStrong pic.twitter.com/YfoJmN3jMd
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 7, 2018
“On behalf of Mark Chipman and David Thomson, and our entire Winnipeg Jets family, fans included, we would like to offer our deepest sympathies, condolences, and prayers to the Humboldt Broncos and their whole family.” – Head Coach Paul Maurice #PrayersForHumboldt pic.twitter.com/J5lNTocUkJ
— #PrayersForHumboldt (@NHLJets) April 7, 2018
Saskatchewan native Tyler Bozak on Humboldt bus crash: “It’s tragic. My heart goes out to those people … Saskatchewan is a tight knit hockey community.” Note that #leafs have put up Humboldt Broncos logo on background screen in memory of tragedy. #tmltalk pic.twitter.com/9lzUKJJSbU
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) April 7, 2018
We hold on to life by a single thread. Last night’s tragic bus crash in Saskatchewan brought that home to all of us. To the Humboldt team, their families and loved ones, we stand in solidarity and love for this terrible loss.
— Bob Rae (@BobRae48) April 7, 2018