On June 26, 2021 at approximately 4:15p.m., Whitehorse RCMP were notified by an off duty RCMP officer who was boating on Lake Laberge, Yukon, that they had located a capsized canoe. Police determined the canoe was a rental and the renter had planned on canoeing from Whitehorse and would be arriving in Carmacks on June 30.
RCMP alerted the Yukon RCMP Search and Rescue Coordinator who activated a search with the assistance of the Yukon Search and Rescue (YSAR) volunteers. Whitehorse RCMP utilized their police plane and began patrolling the area where the capsized canoe had been located. At 6:25 pm, RCMP officers aboard the police plane, located the deceased canoer, identified as 54 year old Allan Kirwan, approximately 5 kilometres from where the canoe was located. Yukon Coroner's Service attended the scene with the assistance of Whitehorse RCMP. Water and wind conditions on the lake were poor at the time. Whitehorse RCMP along with the Yukon Coroner's office are investigating and remind the public of the current high water concerns posed to all water travellers at this time.
RCMP and Yukon Coroner's Service extend condolences to the family and friends and Mr. Kirwan.
Contact information
Yukon RCMP - Communications
mdiv.communications@rcmp-grc.gc.ca