Today marks 70 years since the 1954 plane crash above Moose Jaw, and the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery held a memorial to commemorate the event.  

On Thursday, April 8, 1954, a TCA passenger plane and a Harvard aircraft from the base collided thousands of feet above the city.  

Thirty-seven people died because of the collision. Martha Hadwen was the only person on the ground to lose her life in the incident – she was working as a cleaner at the Hume residence at 1324 Third Avenue NE when it was struck by fuselage from the passenger plane. Her passing left behind her husband, Steve, and three children, Marie, Larry, and Bill.  

Members of Martha Hadwen’s family were in attendance today, including her son, Larry Hadwen, and granddaughter, Paula Shareski. Paula’s three daughters, Meredith, Shae, and Martha were also present.

Today’s event saw Paula Shareski share some words about her grandmother and the anniversary of her passing. Local poet Robert Currie read a poem about the aftermath of the incident, followed by two minutes of silence to recognize the lives lost that day. 

Several people laid flowers in the exhibit, including City Manager Maryse Carmichael and Mayor Clive Tolley.  

Major Chris Jacobson with 15 Wing said the accident was a terrible tragedy. They lost one of their own, Thomas Andrew Thorrat, who was piloting the Harvard aircraft. “Many of our folks are deeply involved with the city of Moose Jaw, and we want to honour this 70th anniversary.” 

Paula Shareski spoke about the exhibit and the aftermath of the crash. “It means a lot to have it remembered, and to have all of these people show up and pay their condolences.” 

“It was super difficult on the family after she was gone. His youngest sister ended up having to go live with an aunt and uncle, because she was only 4, and it was too much for his dad to look after,” added Shareski.  

Shareski brought along two of her grandchildren (Martha’s great-great grandchildren) to see the exhibit. “We brought our children here so they can see the history, and we bring our grandchildren here. It’s a special place for us.” 

Larry Hadwen was 11 years old when the crash that killed his mother took place. He said during today’s moment of silence, he was thinking about walking to Empire school on the morning of the crash with his mom and brother.  

“I remember getting to the corner where the schoolyard was, and just saying ‘bye Mom!” just like a normal day, no idea what was going to happen.” 

“As I got older, I got thinking, what she was doing when she died was looking after her kids. It means a lot,” added Hadwen.  

Maryse Carmichael and Clive Tolley