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Whitehorse Emergency Shelter confirms the death of one person visiting the shelter

Wednesday, 2 October 2024 15:57

By Panebi Wilson @chonfmpwilson

Whitehore Emergency Shelter (Photo by Panebi Wilson)

A member of the community passed away while visiting one of the residents in the permanent housing units.

The death of one person visiting the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter has been confirmed by the Connective Society.

Over the weekend, one person whose identity is yet to be identified died in the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter while visiting one of the residents in the permanent housing units above the shelter.

Confirming the incident to CHON-FM, the Connective Yukon regional director Gigi McKee said “the Connective are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the community passed away while visiting one of the residents in the permanent housing units above the emergency shelter this weekend.”

McKee added that while the Connective understands that the community would desire to learn the details of the incident, the protection of the privacy and safety of every resident priority.

“We cannot provide any further details other than to confirm that emergency services were called to the facility on September 30. Beyond that, we cannot provide further comment," McKee said.

In an email to the news, Chief Coroner Heather Jones said “her office will not be releasing any information at this time."

This death comes about six months after a coroner's inquest into the deaths of four Indigenous women at the shelter between 2022 and 2023. At the end of the inquest, eight recommendations were made available by the jury which include: a comprehensive policy review, enhanced training for staff, prioritizing the hiring of Indigenous employees and individuals with lived experience, and creating safe spaces for all shelter guests.

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