Craig Spence dies in fatal Chatham-Kent car crash
Fatal Chatham-Kent car crash death of Craig Spence – Obituary
A wave of support and sympathy has flooded social media and the Chatham-Kent area following a tragic car accident on Tuesday that claimed the life of a young hockey captain from the southwestern Ontario region.
Craig Spence, identified by those who knew him, was the individual who lost his life in the collision. He was the captain of the Blenheim Blades, a junior ice hockey team from Blenheim.
Bob Price, the general manager of the Blenheim Blades, shared his sentiments about Spence. “He was an incredible young man. He always aimed to assist others and guide our youth. He served as a remarkable role model and an outstanding individual,” Price said. Spence was 21 years old and resided in Chatham.
Price also noted that Spence had a younger sister and an older brother.
On Tuesday around 3:00 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a crash on the eastbound lanes of Hwy. 401, south of London. Police reported that a transport truck and a pickup truck had collided, with the driver of the pickup truck declared dead at the scene.
The eastbound lanes of the highway between Colonel Talbot and Wonderland Roads were closed while authorities conducted their investigation.
During this time, Price received the heartbreaking news of Spence’s death. “I was devastated. Craig was an integral part of our team and the Blades family,” Price remarked.
Spence had been a vital member of the team for over two years and made significant contributions both on and off the ice, according to Price. “He was an exceptional leader, always available for his teammates and staff. His passion for hockey was evident, and he had expressed interest in returning as a coach after his playing days. He had a talent for teaching.”
Spence was scheduled to receive two awards for his achievements in hockey at the team’s banquet this Friday, but the event has been cancelled due to his passing. “We want everyone to have some time to grieve before we come together,” Price added.
The Blenheim Blades have paid tribute to Spence on social media, with their posts garnering thousands of views and numerous comments and shares by Wednesday afternoon. A GoFundMe page set up by friends of the family quickly raised over $11,000 for Spence’s family.
“The community has shown immense support for us and for him,” Price said. “Many people have stepped up to help, and the league has offered counseling support for players and coaches.”
No charges have been filed in connection with the crash, according to OPP.
Fatal Chatham-Kent car crash death of Craig Spence – Obituary A wave of support and sympathy has flooded social media and the Chatham-Kent area following a tragic car accident on Tuesday that claimed the life of a young hockey captain from the southwestern Ontario region. Craig Spence, identified by those who knew him, was the…
Fatal Chatham-Kent car crash death of Craig Spence – Obituary A wave of support and sympathy has flooded social media and the Chatham-Kent area following a tragic car accident on Tuesday that claimed the life of a young hockey captain from the southwestern Ontario region. Craig Spence, identified by those who knew him, was the…