Two local Indigenous musicians have been identified at victims in a fatal vehicle accident that occurred near Melfort on Thursday.

At 6:15 p.m., RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway #3 approximately two kilometres west of Melfort.

RCMP say a truck and SUV collided. The driver of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene, and he has been identified as a 31-year-old man from James Smith Cree Nation. A passenger from the truck was transported to hospital by EMS where he was later declared dead. He has been identified as a 24-year-old man, also from JSCN. The driver and sole occupant of the SUV was declared dead by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 59-year-old man from Kinistino.

James Smith Cree Nation leadership has since released a statement on the loss of the young men, two members of the local band Constand Reminder.

The release was shared with permission from the Constant Family, stating that the community is deeply saddened to learn of their tragic passing.

“These talented young men carried our Nation’s spirit with pride through their music, inspiring many across our lands and beyond. Their songs celebrated resilience, family, and identity, values that are deeply rooted in who we are as Cree people. Their loss is felt not only by their families but by all who knew them, heard them perform, and were moved by the gift of their music,” the release continued.