Families grieve for 3 teens killed in crash

The families of the three Carrot River teens who died in a highway crash May 3 have issued statements expressing their grief over the tragedy.

The statements were provided Monday afternoon following private funeral services for Carter Stevenson, 17, Justin Gaja, 14, and Kristian Skalicky,15.

"He was a natural athlete and excelled in all that he did," Carter Stevenson's family said. "He was well known for his signature big toothed grin and was often surrounded by friends who he kept laughing with his brilliant sense of humour and mischievous fun loving pranks."

Orin and Crystal Gaja noted their son's passion for sport.

"Justin was a vibrant young man with a huge heart and love for life," they wrote. "He was an amazing athlete who excelled at every sport he played. He was an honor student and his intelligence showed in all he did."

The Gajas also noted Justin's keen interest in hunting, fishing, trapping and how he loved the outdoors.

"His love for his mom, dad, and sisters was endless," they wrote. "He had the greatest sense of humour and touched the lives of everyone he met."

Excerpts of family statements

9 years ago

Duration 0:57

Excerpts of family statements on teens who died in highway crash, read by Kevin Trew of Carrot River.

Brad and Lisa Skalicky, parents of Kristian, said they will be following closely the investigation into the crash.

"There are so many questions left unanswered in this tragic accident and the Skalicky family will befollowing up and will get to the root cause of the accident," they said in their statement. "In the last few years there have been far too many incidents at road construction sites to innocent families."

The family said Saskatchewan should consider changes to reduce construction hazards.

The families were also moved by the outpouring of sympathy from people.

"We know that it has been difficult for people to find the words in reaching out to us - we now find ourselves in that position of being unable to really express how much it has meant to us," Stevenson's parents, John and Barb Stevenson, said.

The teens were in a car stopped at a construction zone on Highway 6 near Spalding, Sask., when they were hit from behind by a semi-truck May 3.

RCMP are continuing to investigate.

• Carrot River, Sask., in shock after 3 teens die in crash

News media were asked to stay away from the Carrot River Community Centre where joint services took place.