A motor vehicle collision in Springbank claimed the lives of two Rocky View County high school students on July 15, while two other occupants were hospitalized in serious condition.
The single vehicle collision occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Range Road 32 between Township Road 251A and 250, near the TransCanada Highway. According to a press release from Cochrane RCMP, members arrived on scene and located two of the occupants deceased.
“Two additional occupants were transported to Foothills Hospital with undetermined injuries,” the release stated.
The following day, the four female occupants of the black SUV were identified as Springbank Community High School students, according to CTV Calgary and Calgary Herald reports. Among the four were two sisters, one of whom died, while the other remains in hospital.
All four victims were either 16 or 17 years old, according to the media reports.
Cpl. Troy Savinkoff of the Cochrane RCMP verified the details provided by Calgary media on July 16, adding the investigation is still actively underway as far as what might have caused the incident.
“The RCMP is investigating all aspects and factors that could have contributed to this collision, including speed and alcohol,” he said. “But at this time, we're not releasing any details as to whether or not charges are laid. All we're doing is investigating those aspects.”
While CTV identified two of the girls in its report, Savinkoff added Cochrane RCMP is not releasing the identities of the four individuals at this time. In a follow-up conversation on July 21, he said names would only be released in the event charges are laid.
“It sounds like CTV has done some accurate work, but from my perspective, I won't be releasing any names unless charges are laid,” he said. “We don't have permissions from the families to disclose names yet.”
Savinkoff added as of July 21, the conditions of the two girls in hospital had improved. The driver of the vehicle was in a stable condition, while the other girl was in stable but critical condition.
A GoFundMe page for the family of one of the deceased girls can be found at bit.ly/3zhCeo4
Tributes and condolences to the four students were prevalent on social media following the collision, including posts from the Springbank Community Association and other local community groups. A post on the Visit Bragg Creek Facebook page July 16 addressed the school community, which was shared on the high school's page.
“As you are likely already aware, four Springbank Community High School students were involved in a car crash last night that claimed the lives of two of our students,” the release stated. "The other two students remain in hospital at this time.
“As a school community, our heart is broken by this tragic loss. We know that it is important for people to come together at such difficult times and so we are inviting students to come to the school Friday, July 16 between noon and 2 p.m. We don’t have anything formal planned, just an opportunity for students to come together and share their support and grief.”
The post also provided phone numbers for various support resources for people grieving the loss, including the Cochrane Community Health Centre, the Distress Centre, the Kids Help Phone line and the Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line.
“It is common for young people to have varied reactions; openly discussing their feelings and responding to any questions or concerns they may have is especially supportive during difficult and stressful times," the post stated.
When reached, Rocky View Schools issued the following statement to the Rocky View Weekly following the collision:
“At this difficult time, our thoughts are with the families of the Springbank Community High School students impacted by the tragedy,” the statement read. “Rocky View Schools will continue to offer supports to students and staff in the coming days and weeks ahead.”
Cochrane RCMP are asking anyone who may have witnessed this collision to please call the detachment at 403-851-8000. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store
