The suburban streets of Edmonton fell silent last week as news spread of a tragedy that has left one family shattered and a community in mourning. Fourteen-year-old Jackson Reeves, a promising young athlete with an infectious smile, became the victim of a hit-and-run incident while cycling home from a friend’s house—a devastating moment that has transformed his mother into an unexpected advocate for justice and road safety.
“One minute he was texting me that he was on his way home, and the next I was getting a call that would forever change our lives,” says Melissa Reeves, Jackson’s mother, her voice steady despite the profound grief etched across her face. “No parent should ever have to identify their child’s body because someone couldn’t be bothered to stop after hitting them.”
The incident occurred last Thursday evening near 127 Street and 167 Avenue, a route Jackson had traveled countless times before. According to police reports, witnesses described seeing a dark-colored SUV strike the teen before speeding away, leaving Jackson critically injured on the roadside. Despite emergency responders’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Edmonton Police Service Detective James Morrison told CO24 News that investigators are analyzing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences. “We’re pursuing several promising leads and urge the driver to come forward. It’s only a matter of time before we identify the vehicle and driver responsible.”
For Melissa Reeves, the days since her son’s death have been a blur of funeral arrangements, visitor condolences, and relentless questions about how such a tragedy could happen. “Jackson was doing everything right—wearing his helmet, using reflectors, staying in the bike lane. His death wasn’t just an accident; it was the result of someone’s reckless disregard for human life.”
The Reeves family has now launched a campaign called “Justice for Jackson,” which aims to strengthen penalties for hit-and-run drivers and improve cycling infrastructure throughout Edmonton. The initiative has already gathered significant community support, with over 5,000 signatures on an online petition demanding changes to local transportation safety measures.
“We’re seeing an alarming increase in cycling-related incidents across Alberta,” notes Amanda Chen, director of Safe Streets Alberta, who has been working closely with the Reeves family. “Jackson’s case highlights the urgent need for protected bike lanes, enhanced driver education, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.”
This tragedy comes amid troubling statistics reported by CO24 Politics showing a 28% rise in cycling accidents across major Canadian urban centers over the past three years. Transportation safety experts point to a combination of increased cycling popularity, distracted driving, and insufficient infrastructure as contributing factors.
City Councillor Darlene Thompson has responded to the incident by proposing an emergency council meeting to address cycling safety. “We cannot continue to lose young lives on our streets. Jackson’s death must be a catalyst for meaningful change in how we design and regulate our roadways.”
As the investigation continues, Melissa Reeves has transformed her dining room into a makeshift command center for the Justice for Jackson campaign. Surrounded by her son’s hockey trophies and school photos, she works tirelessly, channeling her grief into purpose.
“I couldn’t protect Jackson that night, but I can fight to ensure his death wasn’t in vain,” she says, showing a remarkable strength that has inspired many in the Edmonton community. “Someone out there knows something. Someone is harboring the person who took my son’s life. I’m asking them to search their conscience and come forward.”
As Edmonton mourns the loss of a bright young life cut tragically short, the question remains: how many more families must endure such devastating loss before our streets become truly safe for all who use them?
