The Yukon Department of Education is declining to identify the veteran teacher killed in a hit-and-run accident last Thursday morning on the Alaska Highway in Whitehorse.

Joe Morrison died after he was struck while riding his bicycle in Rabbit’s Foot Canyon. A number of tributes to the late educator have been posted on social media sites.

In a prepared statement, department spokespeople stated, “For privacy reasons, the Department of Education is not able to provide details about current or past employees.

“We understand the hit-and-run incident on June 13 remains the subject of an active RCMP investigation. As such, we are not able to provide further information.”

Police have found the car that struck Morrison, but not the driver.

The department’s statement added, “Should a tragic event occur that impacts a school community, we would provide numerous supports to the students and staff affected.

“These supports include immediate onsite counsellors and school wellness specialists from the Student Wellbeing and Inclusion team to students, staff and families. For our Catholic schools, the opportunity for spiritual support would be provided at the same time should that be desired by the school community, including for staff.”

A list of supports, contacts and phone numbers is available online for Yukon students and families to access as needed.