An off-duty RCMP officer died over the weekend following a motorcycle crash.
The Yukon Coroner’s Service identified the deceased as 56-year-old Sgt. James “Jim” Giczi on Sept. 8.
The news has hit the RCMP “very hard,” spokesperson Coralee Reid in a written statement to local media.
“Jim’s family and our employees are first and foremost, and they will continue to be our top priorities as we move forward.”
Giczi had been travelling to Whitehorse from Skagway, Alaska. He had a partner travelling with him on a separate bike.
The crash occurred before 6 p.m. on Sept. 6, south of Annie Lake Road along the South Klondike Highway.
“It appears the fallen rider had just navigated a left turn when his motorcycle left the highway and overturned,” the coroner’s press release says. “The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision.”
Alcohol and road conditions don’t appear to have contributed to the crash, it continues.
“An autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death.”
Giczi was with the RCMP for 28 years, Reid said.
He was in charge of the Forensic Identification Section in Whitehorse.
Giczi created a tire-track database that helped lead to the capture of Russell Williams, who murdered two women in Ontario. In 2010, the army colonel was convicted of first degree murder, sexual assault, breaking and entering and forcible confinement.
Belleville police had found a tire mark near the home of one of Williams’ victims. They took photos, then ran them through the database in search of a match. Police eventually landed on a Nissan Pathfinder, which Williams had been seen driving when stopped during a roadblock.
In 2015, Giczi’s work was recognized. He was given the Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General.
Reid said no further information about the crash is to be provided by the RCMP at this point.
Coroner Heather Jones told the News the same thing.
“It is still an active investigation, and we continue to work with the Yukon Coroner’s Service to investigate the incident,” Reid said.
“Support is being provided to Jim’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time, and to RCMP employees across the division.”
With files from James Munson
Contact Julien Gignac at julien.gignac@yukon-news.com