GoFundMe set up for family of Rimbey Rodeo Queen Kayla Peacock, who passed away Feb. 23

Published 1:15 pm Wednesday, February 25, 2026

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the family of Kayla Peacock, Rimbey’s Rodeo Queen, who passed away on Feb. 23.

“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Rimbey Rodeo Queen Kayla Peacock,” noted a Rimbey Rodeo Facebook post.

“Kayla was an incredible ambassador for the sport of rodeo, representing our community with grace, kindness, and unwavering dedication. She touched the lives of so many, and her presence will be profoundly missed.

“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask that you keep Kayla’s family in your thoughts and prayers. If you are able, please consider contributing to the fundraiser started by Kayla’s family to support her mom Stacey, and her sister Teagen. Any support is greatly appreciated.”

Those wishing to contribute can visit https://gofund.me/ce0b9fbf4

The GoFundMe page noted that, “On the evening of February 23, Kayla and her best friend Danica Hills tragically lost their lives in a vehicle accident while coming home from hockey practice.

“In a single moment, two bright, beautiful young lives were taken far too soon.

“Kayla was just 17 years old and on the brink of graduation from Harry Collinge High School in Hinton. She had her whole future ahead of her — dreams forming, milestones approaching, and a life full of promise.

“Kayla was a proud cowgirl and a fierce competitor on the ice. She played hockey with the Jasper Bearcats, where she brought heart, determination, and grit to every game. Whether she was on horseback or lacing up her skates, Kayla lived with strength, passion, and an undeniable spirit.

“She was the kind of young woman who made people proud — proud to cheer for her, proud to know her, and proud to love her.”

Kyla Lightfoot, Miss Ponoka Stampede, said that she first met Peacock at the Drayton Valley Fashion Show when she was lady in waiting for the Miss Ponoka Stampede title.

“I had met her there before she had even competed for Rimbey, and honestly, her personality was just like sunshine,” Lightfoot recalled.

“She was so kind to everyone. She had one of those soft, friendly voices — when you talked to her, you felt like she was the sweetest person. It’s really tragic; she was an excellent rodeo queen. I think she would have been able to go off and go far, and win Miss Rodeo Canada one day.”

Lightfoot noted that the rodeo queen community is very close, so there are plans to honour Peacock in a special way at the Rimbey Rodeo this year.

According to an RCMP release, on Feb. 23, around 7:15 p.m., Jasper RCMP, assisted by Hinton RCMP, EMS and Jasper Fire Department, responded to a report of a collision involving a pickup and a semi-truck on Highway 16, east of Jasper.

EMS declared the driver, 17, and passenger, 18, of the pickup, both residents of Hinton, deceased on scene.

According to the Jasper Minor Sports Facebook page, “There are no words to describe the heartbreak our hockey community is feeling today. Jasper Minor Sports extends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, teammates and community members of our beloved U18 Bearcats teammates who were bright shining lights on the Jasper ice.

“Our hockey community thanks the hockey communities near and far that are grieving with us and offering support.”

Miss Rodeo Canada Abbey Harty said that she got to know Peacock last year after she was crowned Rimbey Rodeo Queen.

“It’s such a devastating loss to our rodeo queen community, and her family, and the friends she touched,” she said.

“She was a beautiful soul, and she was going to go really far in the world, in all avenues that she had explored.

“She was a tremendous hockey player as well as a rodeo queen. She will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to be touched by her sweet presence,” she said, adding that Peacock’s family and friends will be held close in people’s hearts.