The community of Coalhurst and Lethbridge, Alberta, is reeling after the sudden and tragic death of Brad Karsten, who was killed in a fatal car accident on September 13, 2025. Brad, a devoted husband and father, leaves behind his wife Steph and their children, who are now facing the heartbreaking reality of life without him.
A Devastating Loss for Coalhurst
News of Brad’s passing spread quickly across the community, leaving family, friends, and neighbors devastated. On social media, tributes poured in, with many describing Brad as a kindhearted man who was always smiling, approachable, and deeply supportive of his family and friends.
One friend shared on Facebook:
“This sweet Coalhurst family lost their Dad/Husband in a fatal car crash yesterday. Both our big kids have been in classes with their kids, Steph has done so much for the community and helped us with our sports efforts here. Brad was always smiling and friendly. If you have the means there’s a GoFundMe to help them through this unthinkable time.”
Brad’s death is not just a devastating loss to his immediate family but also to the larger Coalhurst and Lethbridge community, where both he and Steph have been heavily involved in community activities and volunteer efforts.
Steph Karsten: The Heart of Coalhurst
Brad’s wife, Steph Karsten, has long been recognized as a pillar of Coalhurst. She has played a key role in supporting and organizing countless local initiatives that have shaped the small town.
In the words of Ashley Richard, the organizer of the GoFundMe fundraiser for the Karsten family:
“As many of you know, our community lost an incredible man tragically on September 13, 2025. Steph and her kids are walking through the hardest days of their lives. If you know Steph, you know she’s the heart of Coalhurst. She’s the reason so many things happen here — organizing teams and tournaments for Coulee Kickers, serving on both school councils, helping Parks & Rec bring events to life, supporting the Coalhurst Car Club, and being an important member of the Cat Sass Rescue. She gives and gives, pouring love and time into this town and into all of us. Brad was her support system that made it possible for Steph to do all of this.”
Ashley went on to encourage the community to step up during this time of unimaginable grief, reminding everyone that now it is the community’s turn to give back.
Community Support Through GoFundMe
In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched with the full support and permission of the Karsten family. The fundraiser is intended to ease the financial burden facing Steph and her children as they grieve and adjust to life without Brad.
Donations from the GoFundMe will help with funeral costs, household expenses, and other immediate needs as the family begins to process this devastating loss. For those who prefer not to use GoFundMe, organizers have also made e-transfers available through Ashley Richard and Seana Dietl.
The fundraising effort is more than just financial—it is also a way for the community to show love, solidarity, and gratitude for everything the Karsten family has given to Coalhurst over the years.
Remembering Brad Karsten
Brad will be remembered as a family man whose quiet strength and unwavering support allowed his wife and children to thrive. While Steph was often in the spotlight as a volunteer and community leader, Brad was the strong foundation behind the scenes, making it possible for her to dedicate so much of her time to others.
The Cat Sass Rescue, an organization where Steph has been an active and valued member, released a heartfelt statement in tribute to Brad:
“Steph is a huge part of The Cat Sass Rescue. All of us are heartbroken over the loss of Brad who ‘did not like cats’ (he 💯 was a cat guy) and was always a huge supporter of the rescue and the work we are doing.”
Though Brad often joked about not being a cat lover, those closest to him knew that his support for Steph and her passions extended to every part of her life—including her work with Cat Sass Rescue.
A Call to Action for the Community
The death of Brad Karsten in a car accident has sent shockwaves through Coalhurst and Lethbridge, highlighting once again how fragile life can be. As Steph and her children face the long road ahead, the community is being called upon to return the love and generosity that the Karsten family has given so freely for so many years.
Donations, messages of support, and acts of kindness will all go a long way in helping the family navigate their grief. The GoFundMe page for the Karsten family stands as the central hub for those wishing to contribute.
Honoring Brad’s Legacy
While nothing can replace the loss of a beloved husband and father, the outpouring of love from the community is a testament to the kind of man Brad was. His legacy will live on not only in his family but also in the countless lives touched by the generosity and service of the Karsten household.
The Coalhurst and Lethbridge communities are united in mourning and determined to support Steph and her children through this heartbreaking time. As one community member wrote, “Brad was always smiling and friendly.” That memory of his warmth and kindness is the legacy he leaves behind.