Former Humboldt Bronco Tyler Smith speaks about mental health

Over five years after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, Tyler Smith continues to share his story of recovery.

Tyler Smith will be speaking at a mental health event at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina on Jan. 24.

On April 6, 2018, the Broncos were on their way to an SJHL playoff game in Nipawin when their bus collided with a semi at an intersection of two highways near Tisdale.

Sixteen people on the bus died as a result of the collision and 13 others were injured.

Smith suffered major injuries from the crash including a punctured lung, two broken ribs, a broken shoulder blade and a broken collarbone as well as nerve damage in his left arm.

Smith has been recounting his story about recovery to hopefully help others struggling with their own mental health problems.

He hopes his story can spark conversations about mental health and the importance of sharing those feelings.

“I think our biggest goals is to remind people that they are not alone,” Smith said on The Evan Bray Show on Wednesday. “For me, the physical journey was easy because I’ve done that many times, but it was the mental and emotional journey that was the most important battle. I’m glad I’ve gotten to a place now where I can take care of my mental health.

“But, I’d be the first one to tell you it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. I want to remind people it’s OK to struggle and it’s OK to go through it.”

Smith mentioned he never thought after the crash he’d be the type of person to do something like this and relive a major event in his life.

But he feels this can help people out there who might be struggling.

“It’s quite a space. I think there’s a lot of power in a story. I know for me there’s a lot of power in stories being shared from guys like DeMar DeRozan and big name players in the NHL or NBA. For them coming out with their struggles kind of made me realize I can do that as well,” Smith explained.

Smith said the biggest thing for him is that he wants the memory of the Broncos and the players on that team to live on.

“I want people to never forget about that team or that day. It’s something I’ve kind of latched onto,” Smith said. “In the form of me talking about mental health, hopefully it reminds people to remember that team as well.”

Smith’s story has garnered the attention of many over the last month. He says he’s been invited to speak in many smaller communities throughout western Canada.

As for his personal life, Smith is recovering from a crazy 2023.

In the last year, he and his girlfriend Kat got engaged and the couple won The Amazing Race Canada.

You can purchase tickets for the event Smith is planning on speaking at by visiting the events website.