Southern Alberta hockey player O’Shea Red Crow’s parents are mourning the tragic loss of their son.
O’Shea Red Crow, 21, from Siksika Nation, died on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Calgary, and the homicide unit is investigating.
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 high-rise balcony of the Calgary building.
Upon arrival, police said the man was found in medical distress and taken to the hospital in life-threatening condition, where he was pronounced dead.
Vernal Oilers took to their official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news by stating,
With heavy hearts, we sadly announce the passing of former Oiler O’Shea Red Crow on Sunday morning at the age of 21. 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.
Vernal Oilers
Agra Risk Wheatland Kings took to their social media handle and mourned the death of O’Shea by stating,
Early this morning, we received heartbreaking news, that we lost a member of our Wheatland Kings family. Our hearts are with O’Shea’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. This is a devastating and tragic loss of a life taken far too soon. Rest easy, O’Shea. You will forever be a King.
Agra Risk Wheatland Kings
Staceypenny Runningrabbit also took to his official Facebook handle, mourned the loss of O’Shea, and sent prayers to his family. He wrote,
Prayers to his family n friends 🙏🌹 Red Crow & Back Fat. I never knew him just hearing he was a good hockey player an he played with my Nephews R.I.P O’Shea
Staceypenny Runningrabbit
O’Shea Red Crow’s Parents Always Supported Him In Achieving His Hockey Dreams
Born on November 9, 2003, in Siksika, AB, Canada, O’Shea Red Crow was raised by his mother, Rose, and his father, whose identity has not been revealed.
O’Shea and his parents are of Indigenous Canadian heritage, specifically from the Siksika Nation, which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Alberta, Canada.
Although his parents stayed out of the media spotlight, they always supported him in achieving his dream of becoming a hockey player.
O’Shea made his parents proud when he was selected by the Siksika Buffaloes and played in the Ranch Hockey League.
Currently, O’Shea’s parents are mourning the tragic loss of their young and talented son.
Close ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences to O’Shea’s parents through their social media handles. Coach of the Wheatland Kings junior hockey team, Doug Raycroft, wrote,
“I just saw him a few weeks ago and everything was fine,” “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.”
Doug Raycroft
Moreover, DawnaLee Anderson Caldwell, a Uintah County Deputy Clerk auditor, said O’Shea was like a son to her and sent prayers to his parents by stating,
Today has been one of the hardest days I’ve ever had. Feels like I lost one of my own sons today! I’m still trying to process the loss of my hockey boy O’Shea “Cookie” Redcrow. I’ve spent the day remembering him and the special memories I have of him. He was so quiet and respectful. He always said thank you for the meal and he could definitely eat a lot lol! His Crocs were huge but I missed them in my doorway at the end of the season. 😢He was a gentle giant off the ice but he was a fierce protector of his teammates on the ice! I remember asking him & Levit if they were fighters and they laughed and told me no! Imagine my surprise when I actually got to watch them play lol😂. I am heartbroken for his family & friends. I’m praying for peace for them. Loved O’Shea’s smile and humble presence. RIP #77 I love you O’Shea 💔😭❤️🏒
DawnaLee Anderson Caldwell
O’Shea’s parents will soon reveal the funeral service schedule. Rest in Peace, O’Shea Red Crow.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- O’Shea’s statistical season came in 2022-23 with the Vernal Oilers, where he posted 8 goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 22 games.
- A 5 feet 11 inches and 260 pounds, O’Shea’s hockey journey included stints with the Strathmore Wheatland Kings (HJHL), Vernal Oilers (USPHL Premier), and the Siksika Buffaloes in the RHL.
- The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings set up a memorial table at the Strathmore Family Centre arena on Monday.
