Edmonton teenager killed in freeway collision: ‘Time of great sorrow’

On a somber Sunday morning, a Grade 12 student from Austin O’Brien Catholic High School in east Edmonton lost his life in a tragic freeway collision. The Edmonton Police Service reported that 17-year-old Liam Gallup was a passenger in a Ford Ranger that lost control on the Sherwood Park Freeway around 10 a.m. The vehicle crossed into westbound lanes and collided with an oncoming Nissan.

EMS was on the scene, but Liam's life could not be saved. The principal of Austin O’Brien, Anna Gomez, shared the heartbreaking news with families, noting the school community was left in "great sorrow." The other individuals involved in the accident - the driver of the Ranger, the Nissan driver, and their passenger - were taken to the hospital for precautionary measures, but no serious injuries were reported.

The Edmonton Police Service's Major Collision Investigations Section is leading the inquiry, stating no speed or alcohol factors were found to be involved. The dense fog that blanketed the Edmonton region throughout Sunday, reducing visibility to near-zero, raised concerns among drivers about hazardous travel conditions. Sgt. Timothy Connell of the major collision team expressed condolences to the young person's loved ones, urging all drivers to remain vigilant and look out for one another during winter road conditions.

The Edmonton Catholic Schools' grief counselling team was deployed to the school on Monday to offer assistance to students and staff, with the principal encouraging families to seek support if needed. She reminded everyone that it is normal to experience a range of emotions following the loss of a friend or classmate, and reassured them that support is available.