07/16/2026
JDA Press Release
On June 16, 2026, at approximately 9:07 a.m., JDA experienced a catastrophic motor-vehicle incident involving one of our heavy mobile cranes while in transit crossing the southbound Wapiti bridge. This incident resulted in the devastating loss of one of our staff members.
Despite the immediate response of local and surrounding EMS and Search and Rescue teams, the extreme dynamics of the incident meant we were unable to recover our team member right away.
Given the scope and complexity of this recovery, a coordinated plan was required involving engineering specialists, environmental specialists, crane lifting and hoisting experts, technical dive teams, the RCMP, and multiple branches of the Alberta and federal government, all working to bring our team member home safely, without introducing any additional risk.
After nearly four weeks of careful coordination, recovery efforts began on July 13, 2026. Every step was planned, prepped, and carried out with deliberate care by the dive team, recovery team, and operators, with safety as our top priority throughout. At 3:00 p.m. that day, our team was able to safely bring our dear JDA brother home to his family.
Special thanks go to our HSE supervisors and staff, who kept watch at the incident site 24 hours a day from day one until his recovery, ensuring he was never left unattended.
We are deeply grateful to the many people and organizations who contributed their time, skills, and effort to this recovery: EMS, STARS Air Ambulance, Grovedale Fire and Rescue, Technical Search and Rescue, the RCMP, Alberta Transportation, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, BDP Traffic Management, SWAT Environmental, Green Acre Ventures, Schram Crane and Rigging, RYTY Developments, RT Rentals, Elite/Onyx Environmental, Elite Vac & Steam, Apex Security, and many others working behind the scenes.
This experience has deeply affected our community, our JDA family, and, most importantly, his family and loved ones. We are grateful to everyone who has extended love, compassion, and support during this incredibly difficult time.
As a reminder, JDA has set up a dedicated, bank account where 100% of contributions go directly to G's family, with no bank fees or comissions. Contributing is entirely optional. If you wish to donate, you can e-transfer to: [email protected]. The account will display as "JDA Ventures," but all funds are transferred to the family in full. EFT information is available on request.
