Saskatchewan Roughriders captain Jayden Dalke died in a wrong-way head-on collision on Highway 11 Saturday night, according to RCMP. The 30-year-old linebacker was driving a silver SUV northbound in the southbound lane when it struck another vehicle near Lumsden.
Both Dalke and the 22-year-old driver of the other SUV, identified as Bhishma Rajyaguru of Regina, died at the scene. RCMP spokesperson Mandy Maier confirmed officers found alcohol and cannabis in Dalke's vehicle.
Prior to the collision, RCMP received a report that Dalke's SUV was seen being filled with gas at a Lumsden business and drove away without paying. No prior reports of erratic driving were received.
Roughriders general manager Jeremy O'Day remembered Dalke as a positive force who always had a smile. The team plans to honour their former captain with a tribute at their next game, where players will wear his initials on their helmets. The CFL team's scheduled games will continue as planned.
Dalke was a key part of the Roughriders' 2025 Grey Cup championship team. Autopsies and toxicology reports have been ordered.