Yukon environment minister remains in hospital as mourning continues for deputy minister killed in crash

The Yukon's environment minister remains in hospital in Vancouver following a crash south of Whitehorse last week, as an outpouring of grief continues for his deputy minister who was killed in the collision.

Minister Nils Clarke is "hopeful for a full recovery," according to a statement issued by Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai Monday, "and he and his wife Janet thank the community for their well wishes."

Pillai also announced that Minister John Streicker will be taking over Clarke's environment portfolio until Clarke can return to work, while Minister Richard Mostyn will take over Clarke's other portfolio of highways and public works.

Clarke and deputy environment minister Michael Prochazka were leaving a salmon celebration held at McClintock Bay Resort late Friday afternoon when their truck was hit by another vehicle.

According to a Yukon RCMP press release as well as information shared by the territorial government and eyewitnesses, Clarke and Prochazka's truck was turning off McClintock Road onto the Alaska Highway when it was struck by a southbound vehicle.

Prochazka, who was driving, was killed in the crash.

In an interview Tuesday, Pillai, who'd previously described the situation as "heartbreaking" and "very difficult," once again offered condolences to Prochazka's wife and children.

He also said Prochazka had been "working incredibly hard" on the Yukon government's response to the June 24 heap leach failure at Victoria Gold's Eagle mine, and that that was a "big, big challenge right now for us."

"Since this moment started, he's been leading the Department of Environment," Pillai said.

News of Prochazka's death has also triggered an outpouring of grief and support for his family from the wider community, with condolences offered on social media by friends as well as local First Nations, organizations and politicians. As of early Tuesday afternoon, and online "meal train" sign-up sheet to support his family was filled up to mid-October.