Saskatchewan Roughriders captain Jayden Dalke was driving on the wrong side of the highway Saturday evening when he was involved in a fatal collision, according to Saskatchewan RCMP.
The 30-year-old quarterback died in a car crash on Highway 11 between Lumsden and Regina on Saturday around 9 p.m., police said. The other driver, a 22-year-old from Regina, also died at the scene, RCMP spokesperson Mandy Maier told reporters at a news conference Monday afternoon.
He said officers found alcohol and marijuana inside the silver SUV Dalke was driving, although he did not specify how much or whether there were any open containers.
“The initial investigation determined a silver SUV and a black SUV collided. The silver SUV was traveling northbound in the southbound lane when the collision occurred,” Maier said.
It’s unclear how long the silver vehicle was driving in the wrong direction. No reports of wrong-way or erratic drivers in the area were received, he said.
However, RCMP received information at 8:27 p.m. that Dalke’s silver SUV had been seen filling up with gas at a Lumsden business, then leaving without paying.
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The 22-year-old from Regina was identified by RCMP as Bhishma Rajyaguru.
An autopsy and toxicology report have been ordered as part of the investigation.
Maier could not provide an estimate of when the Saskatchewan Coroners Service would have that information, or whether it would be made public.
“The collision reconstruction investigation will take months to complete,” Maier said, adding that Lumsden RCMP is investigating the crash.
Prior to the RCMP press conference, Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Jeremy O’Day spoke to a separate media outlet.
He said the midfielder would be remembered as a positive force in the team.
“You never leave a conversation with Jayden where you don’t feel happy, positive. (He’s) someone who always smiles, never has a bad day,” O’Day told reporters.
All of Dalke’s teammates past and present feel his loss, he added.
“(He’s) someone who loves what he does, loves the game of football (and) loves his teammates,” O’Day said.
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Dalke was born in Leduc, Alta., and played for the Edmonton Huskies and University of Alberta Golden Bears before being drafted to the CFL. He hoisted the Gray Cup with the Roughriders’ 2025 championship-winning team after defeating the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 in Winnipeg.
His teammates were notified of his death by Roughriders head coach Corey Mace, the team’s general manager said.
After factoring in cancellations, the Roughriders game schedule will proceed without interruption.
“I think this is part of the grieving (process) for our players. I think them being around each other and being able to celebrate Jayden together is part of that,” O’Day said.
To honor Dalke, he said the team is planning a tribute before its next game, with players planning to wear Dalke’s initials on their helmets.
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