A tragic incident occurred this Thursday when a snowplow collided with a Sprinter van carrying members of the Santa Clarita girls hockey team, resulting in the death of one and injuries to several others. According to ABC7, the crash took place in Clear Creek County, Colorado, as the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers were en route to a tournament. The snowplow reportedly lost control on Interstate 70, striking the team's vehicle and causing it to veer down an embankment.
The driver of the van, who was the father of one of the players, died at the scene. "Our 12AA Lady Flyers were on their way to Denver, Colorado, to participate in a WGHL weekend," a statement on the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers' Instagram page read. The condition of the road, covered in snow and presenting a challenge for the drivers, was illustrated by scenes of the aftermath. Emergency officials, while responding to the crash, had cautioned against traveling in the area due to poor weather conditions. A child with critical injuries was airlifted, with seven other passengers - four children and three adults - taken to a hospital. Thankfully, the president of the Flyers stated that they "are expected to be OK."
Further details were provided by NBC Los Angeles, learning the team had three girls from the 12-and-under age group on board. Prescott Littlefield, president of the Santa Clarita Flyers, shared with NBC Los Angeles his shock: "This is the kind of thing you hear about on the news, but it's never someone you know or people you know." Denver Health reported that all four children were either discharged or were in the process of being discharged from the hospital. Two adults remained hospitalized in serious condition, with another in fair condition.
In the face of adversity, the team has demonstrated resilience as the Lady Flyers' Instagram post conveyed Prescott Littlefield's message expressing profound grief. Solidarity and support for the victims have been swift, with the hockey community reaching out and an online fundraiser being set up to help the affected families. Despite the tragedy, Littlefield told Eyewitness News that "the girls voted and those that can still play are going to go play tomorrow morning." They intend to walk into the tournament "as a solid group and go out there and do what they have been working hard to do this entire season." The Colorado State Patrol Vehicular Crimes Unit is currently investigating the crash.
