The Yukon Coroner’s Service is investigating a Sept. 30 death at the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter plus three other fatalities – all linked to toxic illicit drugs – that took place over a recent 11-day period in Whitehorse, according to the territory's chief coroner.
Four deaths occurred from Sept. 23 to Oct. 4, all involving cocaine, as announced in a release from the coroner’s office. Two more suspected cases involving toxic substances during the same period are also under investigation.
“Toxicology results are pending for these two cases, but evidence suggests that cocaine may have been used near the time of their deaths,” reads the release.
Of the four confirmed cases, three also involved fentanyl, two also involved flurofentanyl, two also involved bromazolam and one also involved alcohol.
“These cases did not appear to be linked to one another in any way, which suggests that toxic substances are circulating in Whitehorse,” the release reads.
Chief coroner Heather Jones confirmed to the News the death at the shelter is related to the use of illicit drugs (preliminary findings confirm cocaine, bromazolam, fentanyl and flurofentanyl).
The individual who died was a visitor, not a resident, of the shelter at the time of death, per Jones.
In total, the coroner’s office is looking into six deaths that are confirmed to be due to toxic illicit drugs since Aug. 6.
In 2024, the coroner’s service has confirmed 12 substance use-related deaths, on top of two suspected deaths.
“I am urging all Yukoners to remain aware of the substance use health emergency we are faced with. As Yukoners, we deeply feel the impact of the pain and grief of the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. We know that these deaths are preventable and we need to support one another during this time of crisis,” Jones said in the release.
“I am once again asking all Yukoners to demonstrate kindness and compassion for those who are struggling and for those who are grieving the lives lost.”
The coroner’s service offered condolences to families and communities “unfathomably” affected by these deaths.
Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee issued a statement to address the news, which she said serves as “yet another painful reminder of the ongoing challenges we face due to toxic substances in our community.”
“This trend underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and collective action to address this devastating crisis,” she said.
“This tragic surge of fatalities reminds us all the unpredictable and deadly nature of the toxic drug supply.”
McPhee’s statement notes the increasing presence of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer that has been detected in significant quantities, as a main concern.
“Xylazine is not an opioid and, critically, it is resistant to naloxone, the medication commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses. This raises the risk for those using substances, as naloxone may not be effective in addressing the effects of xylazine,” McPhee said.
The coroner's release doesn't mention xylazine. Jones said there's no evidence of it in the recent cases.
"Its presence in non-fatal 'overdoses;' is definitely a concern….for all of us,” she told the News via email.
In her statement, McPhee said the Yukon government will monitor the situation and adapt its response as necessary.
"While we await further information from the Yukon Coroner's Service, we remain committed to supporting those affected by the substance use health emergency. My thoughts are with all Yukoners impacted by these tragedies. Together, we must continue to work towards a safer, healthier Yukon," McPhee said.
The territory declared the health emergency related to substance use in January 2022.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
