Two Hinton teens were killed Monday evening in a collision on Highway 16 east of Jasper.

Jasper RCMP say the 17-year-old driver and her 18-year-old passenger were in a pickup when it collided with a semi-truck around 7:15 p.m. Emergency crews, including Hinton RCMP, EMS and Jasper Fire Department, attended the scene. Both victims were pronounced dead on site. Police indicate that road conditions are believed to have contributed to the crash.

The two young women were students at Harry Collinge High School in Hinton and members of the U18 Jasper Bearcats hockey club. Their deaths have devastated their teammates, families and the wider community.

Residents described the loss as incomprehensible, particularly following the team’s recent playoff victory.

Classes at Harry Collinge High School were cancelled Tuesday and Wednesday as students and staff began to process the shock. Counselling and mental health support were made available. Officials from Jasper Minor Sports and the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division expressed condolences and highlighted ongoing support for grieving families and community members.

Police continue to investigate the collision. Meanwhile, residents of Jasper and Hinton are coming to terms with the sudden loss of two vibrant young lives.