Mayor Laura Cabott has paid tribute to Michael Prochazka, the Yukon government deputy minister who died in a highway collision last Friday south of Whitehorse.

Prochazka had been the deputy minister of Environment.

Nils Clarke, the minister responsible for the portfolio and a passenger in the vehicle involved, was injured. He is recovering in a Vancouver hospital.

“The Yukon has suffered a tremendous loss with the sudden passing of deputy minister Michael Prochazka this past weekend,” Cabott said at Monday evening’s council meeting, the first in several weeks.

“His contribution, his enthusiasm, and his humour will be greatly missed by many whose life he touched,” the mayor said.

“On behalf of the council and on behalf of the City of Whitehorse, our sincere condolences go to his wife (Krista) and two daughters and all who are feeling the loss at this time,” the mayor added.

“As well, I want to wish on behalf of council, minister Nils Clarke a quick recovery, and extend our best wishes to him and his family as well.” 

The late-afternoon collision occurred on the Alaska Highway. Prochazka and Clarke had been attending a nearby event.