'A gentle giant': Siksika man remembered after fatal fall from Calgary highrise

Calgary Herald

4 days ago

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A man who died after falling from a Calgary highrise on Sunday has been identified as O'Shea Red Crow, a member of Siksika Nation and a talented hockey player remembered as a 'gentle giant.'
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Calgary police were called to the 1100 block of 3rd Street S.E. around 5 a.m. Sunday for reports that a man had fallen from a high-rise balcony in the Victoria Park area. Officers located a man in medical distress, who was transported to hospital in life-threatening condition but eventually succumbed to his injuries, CPS said in a news release.
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On Tuesday, police said the death was deemed non-criminal.
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'The death was investigated by our homicide unit and after a review of all evidence, including CCTV from the area and conversations with multiple witnesses, an autopsy completed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the death as non-suspicious,' CPS said in a release.
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Richard Running, recreation team lead at Siksika Health Services, said the community has been in shock since learning that 21-year-old O'Shea Red Crow died after falling from a balcony over the weekend.
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'We go about our lives, but it's with a little bit of shock and disbelief, and a really heavy heart,' Running said.
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'It's a very big loss for our community,' he added. 'We all feel it.'
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Running oversees operations at the community's Sportsplex, where he would often see Red Crow playing hockey with friends.
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'He had all the attributes to be a great athlete, which he was,' Running said. 'He instilled a lot of pride into Siksika Nation as a young person, for his prowess on the ice, for how he was in the community and as a friend.
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'He was a very humble young boy that tried to make his own way.'
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Red Crow was a former forward with the Vernal Oilers, a U.S.-based junior hockey team, where he played during the 2022–23 season. In a tribute posted online, the team said Red Crow quickly became a fan favourite, known for his skill on the ice and his kindness off it.
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'With heavy hearts, we sadly announce the passing of former Oiler O'Shea Red Crow,' the team wrote in a statement on social media. 'The definition of a 'gentle giant,' O'Shea was beloved by not only his Oiler teammates and coaches, but also the entire Vernal community.'