Saturday morning’s crash on Highway 797, north of the hamlet of Langdon, claimed the lives of two residents of the community and neighbours are pulling together to help the affected families.

Friends have identified one of the deceased as 19-year-old Quinton Peplinski, a popular graduate of Chestermere High School who played AA hockey in the area.

“He’s been to our house many times,” said Tammy Thankachen, a Langdon resident. “(He was a) beautiful spirit, always fun, smile on his face. I know it’s really shook the community especially that age group.”

The crash also claimed the life of a 28-year-old woman from the Langdon area, identity not released, and sent two adults to the Foothills Medical Centre in serious but stable condition.

Chris Haggith, pastor at Alliance Church, said the incident has had an impact on the community of approximately 5,000, including the members of his parish.

“The majority of people are good people who want to do something that matters, that’s meaningful,” said Haggith. “Even if you don’t know the people yourself, you know someone who knows them. You’re never too far disconnected from any tragedy that happens.”

Haggith says the local community Facebook page has been an online gathering location for people looking to support those who lost a loved one in the crash.

Thankachen has offered her family’s martial arts studio on Centre Street as a location for the collection of food and members of the community have supplied freezers. Thankachen has created a GoFundMe page to assist the families and a trust fund will be opened at the Langdon Mountain View Credit Union this week.

Before the identities of the victims were known, Sean O’Brien came to the dojo to assist.

“It’s what the community does,” said O’Brien. “We step up in trying times.”

“The community of Langdon is amazing,” echoed Thankachen. “When we all heard that (the crash involved) people in our community we stepped up right away.”

“These people won’t have to worry about having to cook or clean. The community is really stepping up.”

For more information, visit Help for Hwy 797 Fatal Accident