A Yukon deputy minister has perished in a car crash on the Alaska Highway and cabinet minister Nils Clarke has been hospitalized with serious injuries.
Michael Prochazka was the Deputy Minister of the Environment. Clarke is Minister of the Environment as well as Highways and Public Works.
The accident happened Friday afternoon near Swan Haven Road by the McClintoch River on the Alaska Highway at Marsh Lake.
The highway was closed by the RCMP until Saturday afternoon when a technical expert could examine the scene, with traffic detoured via Carcross and Tagish.
Prochazka’s wife Krista posted the following statement on Facebook over the weekend.
“It is with profound sadness, and much disbelief, that we lost Mike today in the car crash at McClintock. After almost 26 years as my constant companion, and ‘the very best dad one could ask for’ our hearts are shattered. The girls and I still hope this is a dream and that he is just away, as we already missed him so much this year as he pursued his dream job. We have no other details and no idea what we’re doing except trying to remember all the fun and adventures we’ve had. Like this day he flew to see us in Juneau so we could travel home together.”
A statement from the Yukon RCMP said a southbound vehicle struck another vehicle entering the highway. The driver of the vehicle that was hit was killed in this collision and the passenger suffered injuries and was transported to hospital. Yukon Coroner’s Office visited the scene.
Police are actively investigating the collision and are engaging a Traffic Collision Analyst from Prince George, British Columbia for assistance. Police also asked for anyone travelling the highway at the time who may have information or dash camera footage to contact them at 867-667-5555.
Premier Ranj Pillai posted an official statement on the loss:
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Deputy Minister of the Environment Michael Prochazka.
“Michael’s many years of public service began at Parks Canada, where for over a decade he worked to make the Yukon’s national parks and historic sites more accessible to the public. Together with Yukon First Nations communities, Michael worked to develop Indigenous-led tourism opportunities, ensuring the full story of the Yukon’s national parks and historic sites could be appreciated by visitors.”
“At the Government of Yukon, Michael spent several years at the Department of Economic Development, eventually becoming Deputy Minister of Economic Development, before returning to the portfolio closest to his heart as Deputy Minister of the Environment.”
“Michael was not just passionate about conservation, nature, and public service – he was a true leader who lifted up those around him. He was not just the top public servant at the Department of Environment, he was funny and kind. He celebrated the work and dedication of Department of Environment staff. He empowered those working for him, and most importantly, was always available to lend a kind word and a helping hand to anyone who needed it. As we mourn his passing, we keep his family – his wife Krista and his daughters – in our hearts, as well as all the friends, colleagues, and Yukoners whose lives he touched. We are all better for the time we shared with Michael. His absence will be felt by so many for years to come.”
“Michael, we will miss you. Thank you for the time you spent with us and all you did for Yukoners.”
Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon offered his condolences to Prochazka’s family and friends in a facebook post. “For those who knew him, his loss is immeasurable and shocking,” he wrote. “I would also like to offer our best wishes to Minister Nils Clarke for a speedy recovery from whatever injuries he has sustained.”
