Yukon Government suspects overdose as cause of death of individual who died while visiting the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter.

Thursday, 10 October 2024 15:42

Whitehore Emergency Shelter (Photo by Panebi Wilson)

The deceased individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, succumbed in one of the Housing First units at the downtown facility

According to territorial health officials, a suspected overdose was the cause of death for an individual who passed away last week while visiting a permanent supportive housing unit at the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter.

The Department of Health and Social Services confirmed notification of the incident, which occurred on Monday September 30, through an email statement from spokesperson Thibaut Rondel.

The deceased individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, succumbed in one of the Housing First units at the downtown facility.

Authorities, including the RCMP and Yukon coroner, have been notified and are conducting an investigation. In response, Health and Social Services is collaborating with Connective, the shelter's operator, to enhance harm reduction measures and safety protocols.

A request for comment from Yukon RCMP was redirected to the Yukon coroner's service, which declined to provide information at this time.

This incident follows a coroner's inquest into the deaths of four Indigenous women at the shelter between 2022 and 2023, which yielded eight recommendations aimed at improving policies, staff training, and independent review of future incidents.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

ATCO Electric Yukon Gets $7.5M to Fix Billing Issues with Smart Meters

The utility acknowledged it has faced issues with inaccurate meter readings since 2023, leading to widespread estimated billing and unexpectedly high charges for Yukoners, especially during extreme cold when meters were inaccessible.
Yukon NDP calls on Yukon government to investigate electricity billing concerns

“Yukoners deserve affordable, accurate, and fair electricity bills, an investigation is needed to make sure that billing is exactly that.” -Yukon NDP Leader Kate White
Youth investment fund supports 13 community projects across Yukon

Initiatives include youth leadership training, substance use prevention, peer mentoring, and recreation programs.
FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns

The First Nation contends the current emergency is self-created and is being used to bypass Nation-to-Nation obligations under the Final Agreement and UNDRIP.
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports

The companies combined their efforts after several of them received requests from the school to cover a sports funding shortfall. The donation also helps teams travel.
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said it has not consented to any sale or restart and has no agreements with any party
BC man convicted of manslaughter

The Crown submitted that Primozic died as a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up

Priority 1 trails are normally cleared as close to the surface as possible.
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts

The RCMP says the updates improve comfort and fit for officerswhile keeping them recognizable
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard

Draft maps for Dawson and the Klondike Valley were available for review from August 12 to September 10, 2025.
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse

The inquest aims to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding Roux’s death
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding

In addition to the funding for municipalities, up to $88,000 is allocated annually to the Association of Yukon Communities for professional development opportunities.
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents

The program is designed to support families struggling with winter electricity bills and is replacing previous rebate programs.
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory

The decision to approve the mine represents both a severe and unjustified infringement of its constitutionally protected Kaska Aboriginal Title and Rights
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'

Chief Russell Blackjack emphasizes that no mining activity will be tolerated in this area
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary

The Government accepts full responsibility for the harm caused and apologizes to the affected children and their families.
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government

The Whistle Bend Neighbourhood Active Transportation Connector project will receive over $8.7 million to build 5.5km of multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes, connecting downtown Whitehorse to Whistle Bend
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic

The clinic, located at 106 Lambert Street, will utilize the existing River Valley Medical Clinic space and serve approximately 2,000 new patients over the next two years.
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP

He was last seen near the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse on March 31, 2026, wearing blue jeans, a winter jacket, and glasses.
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns

The amendment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening frontline healthcare and improving health outcomes, as promised in the 2025 election

Yukon Government suspects overdose as cause of death of individual who died while visiting the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter.

Share

More from CHON-FM Northern News