California Youth Hockey Team Van Crashes in Colorado, Killing Player's Father

Several young athletes and adults injured when van hit by snowplow on way to tournament

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A van carrying a youth girls' ice hockey team from Santa Clarita, California was involved in a tragic crash with a snowplow on Interstate 70 in Colorado, killing the father of one of the players who was driving the van. Several of the young players and other adults in the van were injured, with one player airlifted to a trauma center in critical condition.

Why it matters

The accident has devastated the close-knit youth hockey community in Santa Clarita, with the team and their families now dealing with the loss of a parent and the injuries to the young players. It also raises questions about road safety conditions and protocols for youth sports teams traveling long distances to tournaments.

The details

The Santa Clarita Lady Flyers, a 12-and-under girls ice hockey team, were headed to a tournament near Denver when their van collided with a snowplow on I-70 in Clear Creek County, Colorado. The van driver, who was the father of one of the players, was killed in the crash. Of the 10 people in the van, 8 were injured, including several of the young players. One player was airlifted to a trauma center in critical condition, while others were taken to area hospitals by ambulance.

  • The accident occurred on the morning of January 30, 2026 as the team was traveling to a tournament near Denver.

The players

Santa Clarita Lady Flyers

A girls ice hockey team of 12-and-under players from the Santa Clarita Valley in California.

The van driver

The father of one of the players on the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers team, who was killed in the crash.

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What they’re saying

“Our 12AA Lady Flyers were on their way to Denver, Colorado, to participate in a WGHL weekend. We ask that you keep our hockey families in your prayers and that you give them time to sort through the details of this tragic event.”

— Santa Clarita Lady Flyers, Hockey club (Instagram)

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and the road conditions at the time. The Santa Clarita hockey community is rallying to support the families affected by this tragedy.

The takeaway

This devastating accident serves as a tragic reminder of the risks youth sports teams face when traveling long distances to competitions, and the importance of road safety measures to protect young athletes and their families.