A two-vehicle collision on Highway 11 between Regina and Lumsden resulted in the deaths of Bhishma Rajyaguru and Saskatchewan Roughriders player Jayden Dalke. 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 of Highway 11 when it collided with a black SUV driven by Rajyaguru. Both individuals died at the scene of the crash.
Details of the Collision
The initial investigation by Lumsden RCMP determined that the collision involved Dalke’s silver SUV and Rajyaguru’s black SUV. The silver SUV, driven by Dalke, was proceeding in the wrong direction on the highway when the crash took place.
Mandy Maier, Sask. RCMP Director of Strategic Communications, stated that officers found alcohol and cannabis in Dalke’s vehicle during a search. However, Maier did not specify the quantities found or whether any containers were open. She also noted that there were no reports to RCMP regarding erratic driving or a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction prior to the collision.
Approximately 30 minutes before the crash, RCMP received a call from a business in Lumsden. The call reported a silver SUV leaving without paying for fuel, which officers later identified as the vehicle Dalke was driving.
A Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist is assisting Lumsden RCMP with the ongoing investigation. Maier indicated that collision reconstruction investigations can take months to complete, and toxicology and autopsy reports are not yet finalized.
Lives Lost in the Incident
Jayden Dalke, a 30-year-old linebacker and captain for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, was among those who died in the crash. Dalke, born in Leduc, had previously played for 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 won the Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes with a score of 25-17 in Winnipeg.
Jeremy O’Day, the Roughriders’ general manager, described Dalke as a positive force within the team, someone who was always smiling and loved the game of football and his teammates. O’Day conveyed that Dalke’s teammates, both past and present, are deeply affected by his loss. Roughriders’ head coach Corey Mace informed the team of Dalke’s passing.
The Roughriders have decided to proceed with their scheduled games without interruption, viewing it as part of the grieving process for the players, allowing them to be together and celebrate Dalke’s memory. The team plans to honour Dalke with a tribute before their next game, including players wearing his initials on their helmets.
Bhishma Rajyaguru, a 22-year-old from Regina, also died in the collision. RCMP released a photo of Rajyaguru at his family’s request. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated on Sunday to facilitate sending Rajyaguru’s remains to his family in India. The campaign’s description characterized him as a kind, loyal, and passionate musician who came to Canada in 2022 with aspirations.
The campaign highlighted Rajyaguru as a responsible son and an honest friend, emphasizing that his future was incredibly bright. By noon on Monday, the campaign had raised over $64,000.
Ongoing Investigation
Maier explained that due to the deaths of both individuals involved, there might be limitations on the amount of additional information released to the public. She noted that if there is no formal public court process, the RCMP lacks the authority to disclose specific details from the investigation.
Autopsies and toxicology reports have been requested as part of the ongoing investigation. The timeline for when the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service will have this information, or whether it will be made public, remains unclear.
The collision occurred on Saturday around 9 p.m.
Read Also
Source: ckom.com
