Humboldt Broncos athletic therapist Dayna Brons died Wednesday as a result of injuries she suffered when the team’s bus crashed on April 6.
In a statement, her family said they were present when Brons passed away in a Saskatoon hospital Wednesday afternoon.
“The family of Dayna Brons would like to share that Dayna passed away peacefully this afternoon as a result of her injuries,” the statement read. “She was surrounded by those she loved and those who loved her.
“She was the athletic therapist for the Humboldt Broncos and was extremely proud to be part of the Broncos family.”
Brons’ family also thanked the first responders for their work in helping the 24-year-old since the crash, as well as the outpouring of support for her from across the country.
“Dayna’s family would like to thank the first responders, emergency staff, and all those who have cared for Dayna over these last few days for their support,” the statement read. “And, they would like to thank everyone across Saskatchewan and Canada for their love and prayers during this very difficult time.”
READ MORE: Powerful photos show a grieving Humboldt as a nation mourns horrific tragedy
Brons graduated from University of Regina in 2016, where she got a degree in kinesiology and health studies. She also took an advanced certificate in athletic therapy at Mount Royal University in Calgary in 2016.
WATCH: Mount Royal University is honouring alumni Dayna Brons, who died as a result of injuries she suffered in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that killed 16. Joel Senick reports.
“During Dayna’s time at Mount Royal she was known by students, friends, classmates and faculty for her inspired mind, positive attitude, love for sport and big dreams,” reads a statement from Mount Royal faculty member and chair of the department of health and physical education David David Legg.
“I cannot imagine the pain her parents and friends are experiencing in having those dreams cut short.”
Racquel Marshall, a classmate at the University of Regina, described her as having a special presence.
“She was someone who would put others ahead of herself,” Marshall said in a statement released by the university. “Although she was a quiet and soft-spoken presence she was able to light up a room.”
On April 6, the Humboldt Broncos were headed north to Nipawin for a playoff game when their bus collided with a semi truck at a remote intersection near Tisdale, Sask. Sixteen passengers, including Brons, have died as a result of the collision. Thirteen others were also injured. The driver of the semi truck was uninjured.
It has not been determined what caused the crash.
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Brons, who joined the team in 2016, was the sole female passenger on the bus.
Tributes from the hockey community for the 24-year-old poured in on Twitter.
READ MORE: Here are the victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash
Former NHLer Shelden Kennedy was on a bus which crashed in 1986 while he played junior hockey for the Swift Current Broncos. After hearing of the incident, he flew to Saskatchewan with a few former teammates and met with some of the victims and their families.
“I met Dayna and her family and I know the love they have for one another,” he said on Twitter Wednesday.
Former Canadian Olympic hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser said: “The boys will take care of you up there.”
The Saskatchewan Roughriders said the organization is saddened by her death, and noted that Brons worked with the team during its 2016 training camp.
*With file from the Canadian Press and Global’s Bindu Suri
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