Ben Fairbrother, whom the Saskatchewan Roughriders selected second overall in the 1997 CFL Draft, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Friday in Edmonton. He was 51.
After starring with the University of Calgary Dinos, he played in 58 CFL games — starting in 20 — over four seasons with Saskatchewan.
Fairbrother was subsequently a member of the B.C. Lions from 2001 to 2003. He played in 37 games with the Lions after signing with them as a free agent.
Most recently, Fairbrother was the Edmonton Huskies’ offensive line coach.
“Ben joined the Wildcats four years ago and quickly became an integral part of our team,” reads a tribute that appears on the Prairie Football Conference team’s website.
“His dedication, expertise and kindness touched everyone who worked with him. He was not just a valued colleague but a mentor to our players as he previously played in the CFL with both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the B.C. Lions.
“Ben’s contributions to the Wildcats were invaluable and his legacy will be felt for years to come.”
Fairbrother is survived by his wife, Tanya, and two daughters, Ella and Georgia.
