Cassandra Warville dies in fatal Whitehorse shelter death
Cassandra Warville dies in fatal Whitehorse shelter death
Fatal Whitehorse shelter death of Cassandra Warville – Obituary
A coroner’s inquest is set to begin in Whitehorse on Monday to investigate the drug-related deaths of four Indigenous women at the city’s emergency shelter.
Cassandra Warville, 35, and Myranda Tizya-Charlie, 34, both passed away at the shelter in January 2022. Josephine Elizabeth Hager, 38, and Darla Skookum, 52, died in early 2023.
Premier Ranj Pillai expressed his regret, stating, “Cassandra, Miranda, Josephine, and Darla had more life to live, memories yet to be made, and milestones to achieve. They came to us for help, and their lives ended far too soon. For this, we are deeply sorry.”
Pillai assured that his government would adhere to the inquest’s findings and recommendations. “Our focus now is on cooperating fully with the inquest to uncover what happened and why, and to take prompt and effective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean noted that the territorial government will cover travel expenses for the families to attend the inquest and will offer additional counseling services in the women’s home communities.
“It is crucial to remember that we are discussing the deaths of four Indigenous women,” she said. “Their gender and Indigeneity must be acknowledged when addressing these tragic losses.”
Both the coroner’s office and the government have warned that the inquest will be challenging. The jury will review security footage from the shelter and hear expert testimonies regarding the deaths.
They will have the opportunity to make recommendations, though their role is not to determine legal or criminal responsibility.
The Yukon government has announced that extra counseling support will be available throughout the inquest.
Individuals can arrange in-person and virtual rapid access counseling by calling 867-456-3838 or toll-free at 1-866-456-3838. In-person sessions will be held in Whitehorse, Carmacks from April 17-19 and April 22-23, and Pelly Crossing from April 10-12.
Cassandra Warville dies in fatal Whitehorse shelter death Fatal Whitehorse shelter death of Cassandra Warville – Obituary A coroner’s inquest is set to begin in Whitehorse on Monday to investigate the drug-related deaths of four Indigenous women at the city’s emergency shelter. Cassandra Warville, 35, and Myranda Tizya-Charlie, 34, both passed away at the shelter…
Cassandra Warville dies in fatal Whitehorse shelter death Fatal Whitehorse shelter death of Cassandra Warville – Obituary A coroner’s inquest is set to begin in Whitehorse on Monday to investigate the drug-related deaths of four Indigenous women at the city’s emergency shelter. Cassandra Warville, 35, and Myranda Tizya-Charlie, 34, both passed away at the shelter…