Edmonton is mourning the loss of a beloved physician and community health advocate, Dr. Darren Markland, who tragically passed away in a cycling accident on Sunday afternoon, September 21.
Dr. Darren Markland
According to police, the accident occurred in Nordegg, Clearwater County, while Dr. Markland was mountain biking — a sport he deeply loved. Despite emergency efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Dr. Markland was a respected intensive care physician, affiliated with both the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital. Known not only for his clinical expertise but also for his dedication to public health advocacy, he touched countless lives in Edmonton and beyond.
A graduate of the University of Alberta, Dr. Markland went on to study medicine at the University of Calgary before completing his training. He attended Memorial Composite High School in his hometown of Stony Plain, Alberta, where he first began to chart his path toward medicine.
Friends and colleagues describe him as a passionate advocate for health equity, a devoted mentor, and someone who always sought to balance his demanding medical career with his love for outdoor adventure.
Dr. Markland’s passing leaves a significant void in the Edmonton medical community and among those who knew him personally. Tributes have begun pouring in, honoring his tireless contributions to patient care, education, and the well-being of the wider community.
He is remembered not only as a skilled physician but also as a man who lived fully, doing what he loved most until the very end. Markland was a beloved father and partner. He loved bicycle riding and participated in multiple cycling competitions.
