A two-vehicle collision on Highway 11 between Regina and Lumsden resulted in the deaths of Bhishma Rajyaguru, 22, of Regina, and Saskatchewan Roughrider Jayden Dalke, 30. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, with details released by Lumsden RCMP on Monday morning.
According to the RCMP, Dalke’s silver SUV was travelling northbound in the southbound lane when it collided with a black SUV driven by Rajyaguru. Both individuals died at the scene of the crash.
Investigation details emerge
The initial investigation by Lumsden RCMP determined the collision involved a silver SUV, driven by Dalke, and a black SUV, driven by Rajyaguru. Officers found alcohol and cannabis in Dalke’s vehicle during a search.
Mandy Maier, Sask. RCMP Director of Strategic Communications, stated in a news conference that police had received a call approximately 30 minutes before the crash from a business in Lumsden. The business reported a silver SUV leaving without paying for fuel, which officers later identified as the vehicle Dalke was driving.
Despite this, Maier clarified that there were no prior reports to RCMP regarding erratic driving or a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction on the highway before the collision. A Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist is assisting Lumsden RCMP with the ongoing investigation.
Many questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues. Maier noted that she could not provide details on the quantities of cannabis or alcohol found, how long Dalke’s SUV had been travelling in the wrong direction, or when toxicology reports would be completed. Collision reconstruction investigations typically take months to finalize, and toxicology and autopsy results are not yet available.
Impact on the community and families
The death of Bhishma Rajyaguru has deeply affected his community. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated on Sunday to help repatriate his remains to his family in India. The campaign described Rajyaguru as a “beautiful soul, a best friend, and a beacon of light,” highlighting the incident as a “senseless tragedy.”
The campaign further stated that Rajyaguru arrived in Canada in 2022 with aspirations for the future. He was characterized as a responsible son, a loyal friend, and a talented and passionate musician. By noon on Monday, the campaign had successfully raised over $64,000.
Jayden Dalke’s passing has also had a significant impact on the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and his teammates. Roughriders’ General Manager Jeremy O’Day spoke about Dalke’s positive influence on the team, describing him as someone who was always smiling and brought happiness to conversations.
O’Day emphasized that Dalke loved football and his teammates. The team’s head coach, Corey Mace, informed the players of Dalke’s death. While the team considered cancelling upcoming games, they ultimately decided to proceed with their schedule, viewing it as part of the grieving process for the players to be together and celebrate Jayden’s life.
Dalke, who was born in Leduc, Alberta, played for both the Edmonton Huskies and the University of Alberta Golden Bears before being drafted into the CFL. He was part of the Roughriders’ 2025 championship team that defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 in Winnipeg, hoisting the Grey Cup.
To honour Dalke, the Roughriders are planning a tribute before their next game, which will include players wearing his initials on their helmets.
Read Also
Source: ckom.com
