A tragic accident on Highway 16 east of Jasper claimed the lives of two teenage hockey players, Danica Hills, 18, and Kayla Lorene Peacock, 17, both members of the Jasper U18 Bearcats in the North Eastern Alberta Hockey League (NEAHL) and students at Harry Collinge High School in Hinton.
The collision occurred around 7:15 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, when the pickup truck driven by Peacock collided with a semi-truck. RCMP reported that Peacock and Hills were declared dead at the scene; the semi-truck driver was not injured.
Authorities indicated that road conditions were believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash. The loss has devastated the Jasper, Hinton, and NEAHL hockey communities, where both young women were admired for their talent, dedication, and team spirit.
Danica Hills and Kayla Lorene Peacock were standout players on the Jasper U18 Bearcats, known for their commitment to the game and their positive presence on and off the ice. Teammates and coaches remember them as hardworking, supportive, and full of energy—qualities that made them integral to the team’s success and spirit.
They balanced rigorous training schedules with schoolwork at Harry Collinge High School, where they were active, engaged students who formed close friendships and contributed positively to school life. Their passion for hockey brought joy to their families, teammates, and the local community, leaving behind memories of shared victories, practices, and the camaraderie that defines youth sports in rural Alberta.
The crash has deeply affected the surrounding communities of Jasper, Hinton, and the broader NEAHL network. Harry Collinge High School has made grief counseling available to students and staff, recognizing the heavy emotional toll on classmates who shared classrooms and hallways with Danica and Kayla.
The Jasper U18 Bearcats organization and local hockey associations have expressed profound sorrow, with teammates, coaches, and league officials sharing memories of the girls’ enthusiasm, teamwork, and the light they brought to every practice and game. In the wake of this tragedy, the community has rallied to support the families, offering condolences, meals, and emotional support as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
The accident has prompted reflection across the region on road safety, winter driving conditions, and the fragility of young lives. Highway 16, a major corridor through the Rockies, is frequently affected by challenging weather, and authorities continue to investigate the incident while urging caution during winter travel. The loss of Danica and Kayla has reminded families, schools, and hockey leagues of the importance of cherishing time together and supporting one another through grief.
Our thoughts remain with the families of Danica Hills and Kayla Lorene Peacock, their siblings, parents, grandparents, extended relatives, close friends, teammates with the Jasper U18 Bearcats, coaches, classmates at Harry Collinge High School, teachers, and the entire Jasper, Hinton, and NEAHL hockey community as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.
May they find comfort in the memories of their bright spirits, their love for the game, and the joy they brought to everyone around them. Their lives, though tragically short, stand as a testament to living with passion, kindness, and heart. Rest in peace, Danica and Kayla; your energy, your dedication, and your love for hockey and teammates will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.
