The following story contains details which some readers may find distressing. Rapid access counselling is available in the Yukon at 867-456-3838.
The Yukon Coroner’s service is providing further details into the investigation of five deaths that happened in the territory towards the end of 2024.
Two deaths at 405 Alexander Street, the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter, took place in December: one on Dec. 18 and the other on Dec. 30.
The first death was that of a 56-year-old man: preliminary findings from the man’s autopsy held in Abbotsford, B.C., indicate that toxic illicit substances were a factor in his death.
The death that took place at the shelter on Dec. 30 was that of a 21-year-old woman. She had been visiting a resident of the shelter at the time of her death. An autopsy is scheduled to be held in Abbotsford. Preliminary findings suggest that toxic illicit substances may have contributed to her death.
On Dec. 23, there was also a death that took place at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. The 37-year-old man was an inmate there. The coroner’s investigation confirmed the man died by suicide. A coroner’s inquest into this death will be called in the coming months, as is required by the Coroners Act for all deaths that occur while in custody of a correctional centre.
On Dec. 27, Watson Lake RCMP alerted the Coroner’s Service of a single-vehicle accident at km 1085 of the Alaska Highway. The body of 27-year-old woman was found at the scene. She was the lone occupant of the 1998 Toyota Forerunner. The car’s front right tire caught on the snow on the shoulder of the highway and was drawn into a ditch on the side of the roadway, coming to a stop on its roof. Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor, according to the coroner. The coroner confirmed the vehicle was being driven well below the speed limit at the time, and road and visibility conditions were poor due to snow.
The woman had been travelling from Anchorage, Alaska, and was relocating to Washington state.
The coroner is also investigating the death of a 17-year-old boy who was allegedly killed in Whitehorse on New Year’s Day, according to the release. A second-degree murder charge has been filed in this case but it hasn't been heard in court yet.
“This has been a challenging and heartbreaking holiday season for the Yukon. I urge all of us to show kindness and empathy, as there is a critical need for tenderness and understanding. May we find our way to compassion and supporting the many who are grieving these losses,” said Heather Jones, the Yukon’s chief coroner, in the media release.
”The Yukon Coroner’s Service continues to send our deepest condolences and support to the families and communities who have been impacted by these deaths.”
The coroner highlighted a variety of support available to Yukoners:
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Yukon Reach Out Support Line: 1-844-533-3030 (from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.)
Department of Health and Social Services Opioid Treatment Services: 867-668-2552
Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services: 867-456-3838 or toll-free at 1-866-456-3838.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Yukon Division Drop-in Counselling sessions: 867-668-6429.
Contact Talar Stockton at talar.stockton@yukon-news.com
