Community mourns volunteer firefighter and son killed in collision southeast of Edmonton
Posted September 17, 2026 4:18 pm.
The firefighter father and his teenage son killed in a fatal collision southeast of Edmonton this week are being remembered as kind, loving people.
Dayce Newman, 35, and his 13-year-old son Xander were riding a motorcycle heading to a bike night when they collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Highway 21 and Township Road 481, near Camrose, on Tuesday.
READ: Two killed, including 13-year-old boy, in motorcycle crash near Camrose
The father and his boy were declared dead at the scene.
Newman’s longtime friend Richard Shulist was in disbelief when he heard the news.
“I just talked to him two days prior,” Shulist told CityNews. “He was gonna come to my son’s first birthday.”
Newman, a volunteer firefighter, is being remembered for his work during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016 and countless selfless acts around Camrose for complete strangers.
“We own the Hauler for Hire, basically, a hot shot company out of Camrose, Alberta,” Shulist said. “He did a lot of dump runs and move houses, move stuff like that and if people weren’t able to basically pay for his services and they were in need, he would do it for free or just a handshake, a smile, a coffee, whatever it may be.”
Newman’s son Xander was a miniature version of his dad, their friend tells CityNews.
“Just a fun, loving boy,” said Schulist. “He’s a little hellraiser but he’s a teenager. He was always trying to jump his quad or his little dirt bike.”
Newman was part of the Bashaw Volunteer Firefighters.
“With a heavy heart we send our thoughts and prayers out to the Newman family on the tragic motor vehicle accident yesterday that took Dayce and his Son from thier loving family,” the group wrote on Facebook.
“Dayce will be truly missed by his fellow teammates at the department and we send our heartfelt condolences to all that knew him.”
The fire departments in Athabasca and Millet also posted their condolences, as did the mayor of the Town of Bashaw.
“Dayce’s service and dedication to his community will be remembered, and our hearts are with everyone whose lives were touched by this devastating loss,” Mayor Cindy Orom wrote.
An online fundraiser was set up, and a memorial ride in their honour is planned for Sept. 25.
