Canoeist’s body recovered from lake
The body of a canoeist found in Lake Laberge last Saturday was that of a seasonal resident of Whitehorse.
The body of a canoeist found in Lake Laberge last Saturday was that of a seasonal resident of Whitehorse.
Allan Kirwan, 54, had rented a canoe from a local company on June 24, the Yukon Coroner’s Service said Wednesday afternoon. He had been travelling solo to Carmacks and had been scheduled to arrive there on Wednesday.
Shortly after 4 p.m. last Saturday, Kirwan’s overturned canoe was located by an off-duty RCMP member boating on Lake Laberge.
At 6:25 p.m, police, using their plane, spotted Kirwan’s body approximately five kilometres from the capsized canoe.
The Yukon Coroner’s Service attended the scene with the assistance of the RCMP. Yukon Search and Rescue volunteers were also involved.
“Water travel conditions on Lake Laberge at the time of Mr. Kirwan’s departure and the following day were challenging,” the coroner’s service said.
“High water and high winds would have created extremely hazardous conditions.
“Yukon Coroner’s Service reminds the public of the current high water concerns posed to all water travellers at this time.
“We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Kirwan and our appreciation to Whitehorse RCMP as we continue our investigation.”
“Water and wind conditions on the lake were poor at the time,” the RCMP said Wednesday afternoon.
Comments (3)
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Clara jacobson on Jun 16, 2022 at 9:28 pm
@Sheliaerimona
Zantos (Allan’s dog) was put down because she was sick a few months before Allan passed.
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Sheila Matthews Erimona on Jul 20, 2021 at 2:03 pm
Hi Simon. I am Allan's cousin, and although he was estranged, I knew he went everywhere with his dog. I had asked the RCMP if they found a dog drowned as well, or if his dog is somewhere starving to death waiting for him to come home. I hope someone knows.
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Simon on Jul 6, 2021 at 10:06 pm
I personally also ALWAYS seen Allan with his dog. I wonder if the dog made it out or passed trying to saved him. So many question for him the day we all meet again.