Ben Fairbrother, a former University of Calgary Dinos offensive lineman who went on to play in the CFL, has died.
He was 51.
A graduate of Calgary’s Bishop Carroll High School, Fairbrother joined the Dinos’ offensive line in 1992 and spent four years with the program, racking up a pair of Canada West all-star nods (1995, 1996) as well as a second team All-Canadian selection in 1996.
His time in the Scarlet and Gold was highlighted by the 1995 Vanier Cup championship, a 54-24 win over Western in Toronto, where he started at left tackle.
The Dinos said they were “deeply saddened” to learn of the passing of Fairbrother, and extended condolences to his wife Tanya and their two daughters, Ella and Georgia.
Fairbrother was selected second overall in the 1997 CFL Draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Both the Riders and B.C. Lions, the CFL teams Fairbrother played for, confirmed his death via social media.
Although the cause of death wasn’t divulged, Fairbrother reportedly died in a motorcycle accident late last week in Edmonton.
He was the offensive line coach with the Edmonton Wildcats junior football team.
“Ben joined the Wildcats four years ago and quickly became an integral part of our team,” the team wrote on its 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.”
Following his Dinos career, Fairbrother spent four seasons with the Roughriders, starting 20 regular-season games. He joined the Lions as a free agent in 2001, appearing in 37 regular-season games before retiring after the 2003 campaign.
— With files from The Canadian Press