Four deaths in Whitehorse in October have been attributed to toxic illicit drugs, the Yukon Coroner’s Service said late Thursday afternoon.

“There is no obvious connection between these deaths,” the coroner’s service said in a statement.

“All these deaths involved cocaine and fentanyl; three in the form of the analog fluorofentanyl.”

Etizolam, a benzodiazepine, was detected in one of the deaths.

“These recent deaths have taken people between the ages of 24 and 52; all young people who have left the now too-common gaps in our communities and in our families,” the coroner’s service said.

Fluorofentanyl is an analog of fentanyl, which has been found in toxicology reports more frequently in fatalities in British Columbia in late 2022 and throughout 2023.

“We are now seeing fluorofentanyl-caused or -related deaths occurring in the Yukon,” the coroner’s service said.

Flurofentanyl is approximately half as potent as fentanyl, so a user requires twice as much to get the same effect as fentanyl.

“What the Yukon continues to see with substance use-related deaths is shockingly difficult,” said chief coroner Heather Jones.

“Communities are struggling with the grief and pain associated with the loss of life due to toxic illicit drugs. Every life is a valued part of our communities, and we are losing far too many to these preventable deaths,” Jones added.

“The heartbreak is unbearable, and these are wounds that never fully heal for those who are left behind.”

Toxicological analysis cannot determine if the fentanyl is added to the cocaine – or vice-versa – or if the two drugs were taken at different times within hours of the death.

“What we do know is that the combination is proving to be lethal,” coroner’s service said.

“Toxic illicit drugs are increasingly a massive concern here in the Yukon, and the drug supply continues to be unsafe and deadly.”

Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 1, there have been a total of 18 substance use-related deaths in the territory, with 16 of these involving opioids.

All but one of the persons had fentanyl in their system.

“It is heartbreaking for the territory’s coroner’s service to report that the Yukon has now recorded 93 residents who have lost their lives to opioids since April of 2016,” the service said.

Eighty-three (89 per cent) of those 93 deaths involved fentanyl.

“Toxic drug supplies are continuing to take the lives of our loved ones, causing irreparable harm to our communities,” the coroner’s service said.

“No part of our society is unaffected, and all walks of life are impacted by these tragic deaths.

“Now, more than ever, Yukoners need to be incredibly careful if they choose to use. Please do not use alone. If you are struggling with substance use, there is help available.”

The Yukon government formally declared an opioids emergency in January 2022, and has introduced several measures to try to reduce the death toll.

Anyone can call 1-866-456-3838 to be connected to a counsellor through Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services.

The Department of Health and Social Services continues to provide Opioid Treatment Services, including a safer supply.

Yukoners can call 668-2552 and self-refer for an appointment, which can often be scheduled for the same day. Walk-ins for this service are also available.

Opioid Treatment Services are provided at the Referred Care Clinic, Blood Ties Four Directions Centre (Supervised Consumption Site), the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter, Housing First and Cornerstone.

Naloxone is a safe and effective way to reverse opioid overdose.

For more information on how to obtain a naloxone kit, visit Yukon.ca

This is a simple measure that all citizens and business owners can take to prevent fatal overdoses.

“We also encourage people to test any drugs before consumption using the drug checking services available from Blood Ties Four Directions, the Outreach Van, and Emergency Medical Services,” the coroner’s service said.

“Make sure to communicate with a friend about what substances you are using, and ensure they know who to call for help in an emergency.

“It is crucial that we all work together to address this crisis, supporting one another as we continue to take steps through the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy.”

Jones said she is asking all Yukoners “to demonstrate kindness and compassion for those who are struggling and for those who are grieving the lives lost.

“The Yukon Coroner’s Service continues to send our deep condolences and support to the families and communities who have been so unfathomably impacted by these deaths.”