Danica Hills and Kayla Peacock, Alberta Hockey, Obituary, Death: Has Sadly Died Following a Horrifying Accident

 Following a catastrophic accident on Monday night, February 23, two adored young athletes' lives were lost; Hinton and Jasper, Alberta mourns an unfathomable loss.

Coming back from hockey practice, 17-year-old Danica Hills and 18-year-old Kayla Peacock were returning home when their automobile collided with a semi-truck on Highway 16 roughly 10 kilometres east of Jasper. Two bright, talented, and much loved young women perished abruptly in the crash that happened at roughly 7:15 p.m., leaving family, friends, teammates, and the entire society in great grief and shock.

Known for their commitment, teamwork, and competitive spirit on the ice, Danica and Kayla were proud members of the Jasper U18 Bearcats. Approaching every practice and game with bravery, tenacity, and happiness were Danica, who was driving when the collision occurred, and Kayla. Off the ice, they were adored daughters, sisters, friends, classmates, and teammates, their warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit left indelible marks. The laughter, encouragement, and support of those around them were always present; their absence has left a great vacuum in the society.

Acknowledging the great emotional toll this loss has had on the close-knit community, Harry Collinge High School closed classes and provided grief counselling to students and staff following the event. Family, friends, mentors, and colleagues are leaning on one another for solace, exchanging memories of Danica and Kayla that commemorate their energy, tenacity, and the delight they brought into the lives of everyone who knew them.

Though officials are still looking into the causes of the accident, those who loved them continue to honor the way they lived—not the way their life ended. Their legacies will be their devotion to hockey, their loyalty to one other, and their compassion for those nearby.

Though tragically taken far too soon, Danica Hills and Kayla Peacock will always be remembered as extraordinary young women whose light shone brilliantly in Alberta’s hockey community and beyond. Their energy, laughter, and love will still ring in the hearts of those who knew them, a permanent memorial to two lives lived with bravery, happiness, and relentless heart.

May their memory be a blessing; may the loved families, friends, and communities find strength and solace in their legacy.