Whitehorse Man Dead After Alaska Highway Crash Near Porter Creek
April 13, 2025 — Whitehorse, Yukon
A tragic collision on the Alaska Highway has claimed the life of a Whitehorse man, according to Yukon RCMP. The fatal crash occurred Saturday evening near Porter Creek, a residential area on the northern edge of Whitehorse. Emergency responders were called to the scene shortly after 6:30 p.m.
Details of the Crash
According to RCMP reports, the crash involved a pickup truck and a commercial transport vehicle. The vehicles collided near Kilometer 1437 of the Alaska Highway, just north of the Porter Creek turnoff. The pickup truck was traveling southbound toward downtown Whitehorse when it reportedly crossed the center line and collided head-on with the northbound transport truck.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a loud bang followed by the screech of tires and the crash of metal. Several passing motorists stopped to offer assistance before emergency services arrived.
Yukon EMS, Whitehorse Fire and Protective Services, and RCMP officers were quickly dispatched. Despite their efforts, the driver of the pickup truck—a 38-year-old Whitehorse resident—was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the transport truck, a 53-year-old man from British Columbia, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Whitehorse General Hospital for evaluation and treatment. He has since been released.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. RCMP traffic reconstruction specialists spent several hours at the site on Saturday night, closing the highway in both directions for nearly five hours. Traffic was diverted through alternate routes until the early hours of Sunday morning.
RCMP Cpl. Tessa Roy issued a brief statement late Saturday: “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased during this difficult time. We are continuing to gather evidence, including witness statements, road conditions, and vehicle data to determine the cause of this tragic incident.”
Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash were described as “clear but cold,” with temperatures hovering around -5°C. Visibility was good, and there was no indication of ice on the road surface at the time.
Alcohol and speed have not been ruled out, and investigators are also looking into whether driver fatigue or distraction may have been factors.
Community Reaction
The news of the fatal crash has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Whitehorse. Porter Creek residents, some of whom heard or witnessed the crash, have expressed sadness and concern.
“I heard the sirens and then saw the flashing lights,” said longtime Porter Creek resident Mark Taylor. “You never expect something like this to happen so close to home. My heart breaks for the family.”
Local community centers and counseling services have extended support to anyone impacted by the incident, especially those who may have witnessed the aftermath.
Mayor Laura Cabott offered condolences in a public statement on Sunday morning: “On behalf of the City of Whitehorse, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends affected by last night’s crash. The loss of life is always heartbreaking, especially when it happens so suddenly.”
Highway Safety Concerns Resurface
The incident has reignited longstanding concerns about safety on the Alaska Highway, particularly near urban areas like Porter Creek where traffic volume is high and speed limits remain elevated.
“This stretch of road has been dangerous for years,” said Whitehorse city councillor Michelle LeBlanc. “We’ve had near misses, rollovers, and now another tragic fatality. We need to push for speed limit reviews and better lighting.”
Some residents have called for the installation of traffic-calming measures or increased police presence during high-traffic hours. Others have suggested that better signage and more frequent patrols might help deter unsafe driving behavior.
According to data from the Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works, there have been over 20 serious accidents on this stretch of the highway in the past decade, with several resulting in fatalities or life-altering injuries.
Tributes and Identity of the Victim
Although RCMP have not formally released the name of the deceased, social media tributes began pouring in late Saturday night as friends and family identified the victim as 38-year-old Jordan McLean, a lifelong Whitehorse resident and small business owner.
“He was one of the kindest guys you’d ever meet,” said friend and fellow business owner Darrell Simpson. “Jordan ran a snow removal company and was always helping out neighbors, especially in the winter. This is a terrible loss.”
A memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes began to form at the crash site by Sunday afternoon. Family members have asked for privacy during this time but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support.
“Jordan loved Whitehorse,” read a post from McLean’s sister on Facebook. “He gave everything to this town and the people in it. Thank you for the love. We are devastated.”
Support for First Responders
Whitehorse Fire and RCMP personnel involved in the response have been offered counseling through internal programs. Responding to fatal accidents can have lasting emotional impacts on emergency workers, particularly in small communities where responders may personally know those involved.
“We take care of each other, and we make sure our team has the resources they need to cope with the trauma they encounter,” said Fire Chief James Morton. “Last night’s incident was tragic, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family.”
Looking Ahead
RCMP are urging any witnesses who may have seen the vehicles involved in the moments leading up to the crash to come forward. Dashcam footage from nearby vehicles could prove valuable in piecing together the sequence of events.
Meanwhile, the Yukon Coroner’s Service is conducting its own investigation and is expected to release a report in the coming weeks.
The Alaska Highway remains open in both directions, though authorities remind drivers to exercise caution, especially during the early morning and evening hours when visibility is lower and temperatures drop.
As the community mourns the loss of one of its own, city officials say they are committed to working with the territorial government to improve safety along critical traffic corridors like the Alaska Highway.
“This can’t keep happening,” said Councillor LeBlanc. “Every life matters, and every fatal crash should be a call to action.”
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