Jayden Dalke, 30, died in a car crash on Saturday night, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed.
The Canadian Football League linebacker was driving the wrong way on the highway, said the RCMP, with cannabis and alcohol found in his vehicle.
Dalke, captain of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, was returning to Regina after a bye week in Leduc, his hometown, when the crash occurred, killing him and 22-year-old Bhishma Rajyaguru.
A tribute to Dalke was displayed during a Roughriders practice at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan, on Monday, July 20, 2026, according to Kayle Neis of The Canadian Press via AP.
The RCMP received a report of a silver SUV leaving a gas station without paying for fuel around 8:30 pm CST, which was the same vehicle involved in the crash about 30 minutes later.
The CFL said in a statement, “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.”
Dalke was drafted 54th overall by Saskatchewan out of the University of Alberta in the 2022 CFL Canadian Draft and was part of the 2025 Grey Cup-winning team.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders 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.”
The team added, “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.”
According to the New York Post, the CFL and the Saskatchewan Roughriders will likely pay tribute to Dalke in their upcoming games, with a memorial service planned for later this week.
