SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The Santa Clarita Lady Flyers girls' hockey team won a championship in Colorado on Feb. 5, following a tragic bus accident that claimed the life of a teammate's driver.
The team was en route to a tournament when their rented van was involved in a major collision on a slick, snow-covered highway in Colorado on Jan. 29. The deceased driver, identified as 38-year-old Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana-Villegas, was confirmed by the Clear Creek Coroner's Office.
Several players sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe, with two team members currently hospitalized. Authorities said the team chose to continue in the tournament to honor those affected by the accident.
Throughout the competition, the Lady Flyers played five games over three days in Littleton, winning all but one. They secured the championship with a 1-0 victory in a shootout, according to the Gazette.
The team is scheduled to return to Santa Clarita this week, where a community reception is planned. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of Lorenzana-Villegas.
This report is based on accounts from the team and previous coverage by FOX 11.