On May 31, 2025, the Cochrane, Alberta, community mourned the loss of Owen George, a 21-year-old lacrosse player who died in an off-road collision near Calgary.
Alongside him, another 21-year-old Cochrane resident also perished in the accident.
The news of Owen George’s death sent shockwaves through his family, friends, and the lacrosse community, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, kindness, and passion.
At 12:42 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, Cochrane RCMP received a call about a serious off-road collision in the Horse Creek area.
Emergency responders, including RCMP, firefighters, and EMS, rushed to the scene.
They found two young men, both 21, critically injured. Despite their best efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The two were riding motocross bikes at the time of the crash.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident, but for now, the focus remains on remembering the lives lost.
Owen George Was A Leader On And Off The Field
Owen George, standing at 6’2”, played as an offensive powerhouse for the Rockyview Silvertips, a junior lacrosse team he joined after being drafted in 2020.
Before that, he sharpened his skills with the Rockyview Rage, where he grew up playing the sport he loved.
Known for his leadership, Owen had a knack for making everyone feel welcome.
Coaches and teammates recall how he’d be the first to introduce himself to new players, bringing them into the fold with a warm smile and a quick introduction to the rest of the team.
“Owen was the kind of guy who made you feel like you belonged,” said one former teammate. “He’d walk up, shake your hand, and before you knew it, you were part of the crew.”
Even when a career opportunity kept him from playing his final season with the Silvertips, Owen stayed connected.
He’d show up to practices sometimes, even in his cowboy boots, just to support his teammates and stay part of the team he loved.
His jersey now hangs in the Silvertips’ dressing room and will remain on the bench for the rest of the season, a quiet tribute to his enduring presence.
The Rockyview Silvertips shared their grief in a heartfelt statement:
“This is a hard one to write. Early on Saturday, May 31st the Silvertips family lost one of our own. Owen George, age 21, tragically passed away in an accident.We’d like to offer our thoughts and prayers to Owen’s family as they deal with something we never wish anyone has to face. They’re very much aware of the overwhelming support the lacrosse community has shown over the past few days and it’s truly appreciated. The lacrosse community is the best.”
Via Facebook
Born to Angela and Craig Grant, Owen, nicknamed ‘O‘, grew up in Cochrane alongside his younger sister, who also shared the family’s love for sports, playing Ice hockey with the Jr. Chacs.
Angela, a registered nurse with Alberta Health Services since 2002, raised Owen with a strong sense of community and care.
She earned her education at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary, dedicating her life to helping others.
Craig, Owen’s father, was a pillar of support for his son’s athletic and personal pursuits.
Beyond lacrosse, Owen was a young man of many passions.
He loved the thrill of skiing down snowy slopes, the peace of fishing by a quiet lake, and the adventure of hiking through Alberta’s stunning landscapes.
His true obsession was anything with an engine—cars and motorbikes were his pride and joy.
Whether he was tinkering with a motor or tearing through trails on his motocross bike, Owen lived for the rush of speed and the joy of the outdoors.
Owen’s Passing Saddened Cochrane, Resulting In A Wave Of Love And Memories From Friends And Family
Tyson Williams, a fellow athlete, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“5 years of Junior Hockey gone in the blink of an eye. Words can’t explain how much those years meant to me. To all the strangers who became brothers along the way and the coaches who gave me opportunities to grow. Especially a massive thank you to my family and my billet family who supported me through my journey. I couldn’t have done any of it without you and I look forward to passing that support on to future players and family members.”
Via Facebook
Sarah Bentz, a friend and teammate, wrote,
“Honoured to call you my friend and teammate. See you next practice, rest easy and take care of each other, xx 🤍🤍”
Via Facebook
These tributes paint a picture of a young man who touched lives with his warmth, his energy, and his ability to bring people together.
The lacrosse community, known for its tight bonds, has rallied around Owen’s family, offering support and sharing stories of his infectious spirit.
Owen George’s death is a heartbreaking loss, but his memory lives on in the countless lives he touched.
The Silvertips honored him with a moment of silence before their game on Sunday, June 1, 2025, and his jersey will serve as a lasting symbol of his leadership and love for the game.
For his family—Angela, Craig, and his sister—the road ahead will be unimaginably difficult, but they are surrounded by a community that shares their grief and celebrates Owen’s life.
As Cochrane mourns, Owen’s story reminds us to hold tight to the people we love and to live each day with the same passion and kindness he showed.
Whether he was scoring goals on the lacrosse field, revving his motorbike, or simply making a new teammate feel at home, Owen George lived fully and loved deeply.
He may be gone, but his light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew him.
