Saskatchewan Roughrider fans pay tribute to player and man killed in crash

Saskatchewan Roughriders fans gathered at Mosaic Stadium on Thursday to honor linebacker Jayden Dalke, 30, and Bhishma Rajyaguru, 22, who tragically died in a highway collision. Before the game against the Edmonton Elks, video tributes were shown on the stadium screens, featuring photos and videos of both men.

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What a loss.

Rajyaguru was remembered as a gifted percussionist and a supportive friend and family member. Dalke was depicted interacting with teammates and fans, with a player describing him as the team's "glue." A helmet bearing Dalke's initials, 'JD,' was placed on a table behind the players' bench. Following the presentations, attendees observed a moment of silence.

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I was proud of the guys in that. I hope both families that we honoured are proud and could take some solace in the pre-game tribute to them.

The crash occurred on July 18 when Dalke was reportedly driving his SUV on the wrong side of a divided highway at night, colliding with Rajyaguru's vehicle. RCMP stated that alcohol and cannabis were found in Dalke's SUV, which had left a gas station without paying for fuel about 30 minutes prior to the accident. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene on Highway 11 near Lumsden, northwest of Regina. The vehicles had no passengers.

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Just being out there and seeing both people, both victims, being represented and seeing a little bit about both gentlemen – man, it’s just so sad.

The Roughriders ultimately lost the game 36-34. Head Coach Corey Mace described the week as emotional, expressing sadness at seeing both victims represented. Quarterback Trevor Harris stated he was proud of the team's effort and hoped the families honored would be proud of the tribute. Elks Quarterback Cody Fajardo acknowledged the Roughriders' emotional state, expressing empathy for their loss.

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We try to put ourselves in their shoes, the empathy in their shoes as if we lost one of our teammates, just how much you want to rally around each other.