Leduc community mourns CFL champion Jayden Dalke following fatal crash
Published 1:30 am Monday, July 20, 2026
Tributes have been pouring in since the Saskatchewan Roughriders announced that team captain Jayden Dalke died over the weekend.
Dalke, who played five seasons in the Canadian Football League, was a Grey Cup-winning linebacker who had played his entire career with the Roughriders after being drafted by the team out of the University of Alberta in 2022.
In his early playing days, Dalke got his start with the Leduc Cats, part of the Leduc and District Minor Football Association.
“For the Dalke family, it all started with Leduc Cats Football,” said an association Facebook post on July 20. “What began on the field became so much more than a game; it became lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a community that felt like home. Jayden’s love for football, and the passion his entire family shared for the game, helped bring people together and reminded us what this sport is truly about.”
The City of Leduc also honoured Dalke on the city website.
“On behalf of the City of Leduc, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, teammates and loved ones of Jayden Dalke,” said a written statement. “Jayden was born and raised in Leduc, where he discovered his love of football with Leduc Minor Football before continuing his athletic journey with the Leduc Composite High School Tigers. From those early days, he worked tirelessly to achieve his dream of playing in the Canadian Football League, ultimately becoming a Grey Cup champion. While our community celebrated his accomplishments on the field, those who knew Jayden will remember him for his character, leadership and genuine care for others.”
The statement notes the city council honoured Dalke in 2023 with a Leduc Achievement Award to highlight his achievements and community pride.
“Jayden’s passing is a heartbreaking loss that will be felt across our community,” said the release.
Football Alberta, the governing body for the game in the province, also issued a statement on its social media on July 19.
“Jayden began his football career with Leduc Minor Football before continuing his outstanding career with the Leduc Composite Tigers,” said the release. “He went on to excel with the Edmonton Wildcats and the University of Alberta Golden Bears, earning the opportunity to be drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders … More importantly, Jayden was an incredible young man whose character, leadership, and passion for the game left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy extends far beyond the football field.”
The Saskatchewan Roughriders stated via its Facebook page on July 19 that Dalke died in a motor vehicle collision July 18, with Football Alberta adding that the collision occurred outside Regina.