The identity of the young man who died in a snowmobile accident in Baie-James on Saturday evening is now known: he is Mathias Trottier, a 19-year-old hockey player from Abitibi.
The victim's team, the Ville-Marie Pirates, confirmed the news via their Instagram account on Tuesday.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of one of our fellow human beings last weekend. “Mathias Trottier tragically lost his life,” we can read in the publication of the Abiti club, which is part of the Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League.
“We are at a loss for words to describe the void that “Tricky” has left behind. Our large family is devastated, certainly still united, but also suffering. One thing is certain: he knew how to sow happiness wherever he went, because his departure leaves a mark on each of us.”
The team's players will wear his number, 93, in his honor and inscribe his nickname on their helmets.
The team asks fans to respect the privacy of athletes and their families during “this difficult time.”
The GMHL responded to the tragedy on Tuesday morning by expressing condolences to the families of Mathias Trottier and his teammates.
“On behalf of the President, Commissioner and all officials of the GMHL, we extend our deepest condolences and support to the Ville Marie Pirates community as we remember and honor his life.”
On Saturday, around 11:30 p.m., authorities were called to intervene on the Route des Conquériants after a snowmobile lost control.
According to the Séreté du Québec, there were two occupants on the snowmobile. The second suffered serious injuries that were not life-threatening, said Hélène St-Pierre, spokeswoman for the SQ.