Editor’s note: While homicide detectives were called in to investigate, police and an autopsy eventually determined the death was a not criminal in nature.
The southern Alberta hockey community is in shock, mourning the sudden death of a young man beloved in the community.
O’Shea Red Crow, 21, from Siksika Nation fell to his death on Sunday in Calgary at a Victoria Park condo tower.
The Calgary Police Service said officers were called at 5 a.m. to the 1100 block of Third St. S.E., after a man reportedly fell from a highrise balcony and landed on a vehicle below.
Upon arrival, police said the man was found in medical distress and taken to hospital in life-threatening condition, where he died of his injuries.
Investigators sectioned off the scene for several hours as they collected evidence and spoke with witnesses.
According to residents in the building known as The Guardian, there are dozens of short-term rental units, and it’s not uncommon to hear noises from things like parties.
Doug Raycroft, coach of the Wheatland Kings junior hockey team in Strathmore, coached Red Crow during the 2023-24 season and said news of his death left him in shock.
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“I just saw him a few weeks ago and everything was fine,” Raycroft said. He said news of the loss spread quickly in the hockey community.
“I know I speak for our whole organization, the players and their administration, we’re just all devastated to hear this news and really feel bad for the family, for his mom Rose and his family, that are I’m sure beyond belief devastated at this.”
Red Crow was a quiet but funny young man — a gentle giant — and a beloved teammate who played in a few teams in southern Alberta in recent years, Raycroft said, including most recently with the Siksika Buffaloes, a senior team on Siksika Nation.
“He was passionate and loved playing,” Raycroft said, explaining in addition to his junior hockey commitments, the five-foot-11-inch, 260-pound forward would join friends to play in tournaments held at First Nations in Alberta.
“There was always a lot of guys that just loved playing with him.
“He was a good teammate and you know he’s gonna be missed.”
Before joining the Wheatland Kings, Red Crow played for the Vernal Oilers in Utah. The team posted their condolences Sunday night on Facebook.
“With heavy hearts, we sadly announce the passing of former Oiler O’Shea Red Crow,” the team said.
“O’Shea arrived in Vernal during the 2022/23 season and instantly became a fan favorite, recording 21 points in 22 games and establishing himself as one of the most feared players in the Northwest division before seeing his season end prematurely due to an injury suffered at the Las Vegas showcase.
“The definition of a ‘gentle giant,’ O’Shea was beloved by not only his Oiler teammates and coaches, but also the entire Vernal community.”
The team expressed their condolences to his family and friends, as well as the entire Siksika Nation.
On Tuesday, Calgary police provided an update on the investigation.
The death was investigated by homicide detectives and after a review of all evidence, including CCTV from the area and conversations with multiple witnesses. An autopsy was also carried out, and determined Red Crow’s death was not suspicious or criminal in nature.
Anyone who was affected by witnessing Red Crow’s death is encouraged to connect with CPS Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) by calling 403-428-8398 or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
— With files from Drew Stremick, Global News
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