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Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Jayden Dalke was killed in a motor vehicle accident on Saturday night while driving back from the bye week, the team announced on Sunday. He was just 30 years old.
“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,” the team said in a statement.
“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. Jayden had a unique gift of making the people around him feel special and valued. No one ever left a conversation with him without a smile. On and off the field, he was the true definition of what it means to be a Saskatchewan Roughrider. Our hearts go out to the entire Dalke family, who travelled the country to watch Jayden live his dream. We will miss him terribly and will never forget the impact he had on our lives and our team.”
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1900 Rose St, Regina SK S4P 0A9.
The accident is believed to have occurred on Highway 11 between Regina and Lumsden on the night of July 18 around 9:00 p.m. local time. First responders found one car in the centre median and another in the southbound ditch. Two men were declared dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
“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,” CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston wrote in a league statement. “Off the field, he will be remembered for his leadership in the locker room and his dedication to the community. 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.”
Dalke had returned to the lineup in Week 6 after missing time with a hand injury. He appeared in two games this season, but had yet to register a tackle.
The native of Leduc, Alta. played all 18 regular-season games for the Roughriders in 2025, making three defensive tackles and 13 special teams tackles. He dressed for the West Final and Grey Cup, but did not register any statistics.
The six-foot-one, 200-pound defender was originally a sixth-round pick in the 2022 CFL Draft out of the University of Alberta. He has since played 68 regular-season CFL games, making 69 defensive tackles, 31 special teams tackles, three forced fumbles, one sack, and one interception.
Prior to turning pro, Dalke made 94 total tackles, seven pass knockdowns, three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery over 16 games with the Golden Bears, earning two first-team Canada West all-star selections, a first-team U Sports All-Canadian selection in 2019, and a second-team U Sports All-Canadian selection in 2021. He previously played for the Edmonton Wildcats of the Canadian Junior Football League.
The Riders (4-1) were originally supposed to return to practice on Sunday after their bye week, but have since cancelled the session and media availability. They are scheduled to return to the field on Monday in preparation for hosting the Edmonton Elks (5-1) on Thursday, July 23, at 9:00 p.m. EDT.
