The Edmonton community is reeling following a devastating collision on Whitemud Drive that claimed the life of 22-year-old Ashton Wilson, a young father described by his family as having a “heart of gold.” The fatal crash, which occurred during the early morning hours on Saturday, has left a family shattered and a 10-month-old son without his father.
“He was supposed to see his son turn one,” said Dylan Wilson, Ashton’s brother, his voice breaking as he spoke about the upcoming milestone the young father will now miss. “He was so excited about the birthday party next month.”
According to Edmonton Police Service, the collision happened at approximately 2:30 a.m. when a Chevrolet Silverado traveling westbound on Whitemud Drive near 149 Street lost control and struck a guardrail. The impact caused the vehicle to roll multiple times before coming to rest in a ditch.
First responders arrived quickly at the scene, but despite their efforts, Wilson was pronounced dead at the site. A 21-year-old passenger suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
“Ashton was always the first person to help anyone in need,” said Jessica Wilson, his sister. “He worked tirelessly to provide for his son and was planning to return to school next year to create an even better future for his family.”
The Edmonton Police Service’s Major Collision Investigation Unit has taken over the investigation, examining whether speed or road conditions played a role in the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the road was wet from an earlier rainfall, though investigators have not yet determined if this was a contributing factor.
This marks the sixth traffic fatality on Whitemud Drive in 2024, raising concerns about safety on one of Edmonton’s busiest thoroughfares. City councillor Tim Cartmell has called for a review of the corridor’s safety measures.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” Cartmell stated. “We need to examine what additional safety improvements can be implemented to prevent these tragedies.”
Meanwhile, the Wilson family has established a memorial fund to support Ashton’s infant son, with community members already contributing over $15,000 in just two days. A candlelight vigil is planned for Wednesday evening near the crash site, where friends and family will gather to honor the young father’s memory.
“He had his whole life ahead of him,” Dylan Wilson reflected. “Now all we can do is make sure his son knows what an amazing person his father was.”
As Edmonton continues to grow and traffic volumes increase on major arteries like Whitemud Drive, this tragedy raises difficult questions about balancing urban mobility with public safety. How many more families will be forced to endure such devastating loss before comprehensive traffic safety solutions are implemented in our city?
