Saskatchewan Roughriders Honor Crash Victims Ahead of Elks Game

Linebacker Jayden Dalke, 30, of Leduc and 22‑year‑old student Bhishma Rajyaguru, a resident of Regina, were killed on Highway 11 near Lumsden, Saskatchewan, when Dalke’s SUV entered the southbound lane of the divided highway and collided with Rajyaguru’s vehicle. The RCMP reported that Dalke was driving on the wrong side and that alcohol and cannabis were found in his vehicle. Autopsies and toxicology tests are pending.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced a tribute before their Thursday night matchup against the Edmonton Elks at Mosaic Stadium. Players will wear Dalke’s initials on their helmets, and video tributes to both Dalke and Rajyaguru will be shown. Fans gathered with mixed emotions, some holding caps and observing a moment of silence. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $80,000 to cover the cost of repatriating Rajyaguru’s body to his family in India.

Riders general manager Jeremy O’Day and Premier Scott Moe expressed condolences, and the team emphasized focusing on the game while honoring the two young men. The game is a pivotal West Division contest, with the Roughriders (4‑1) facing the top‑seeded Elks (5‑1).