This week's death of an employee at a Whitehorse auto centre has loved ones questioning the effectiveness of the territory's safety practices.

Denis Chabot, a 34-year-old employee of Integra Tire, died from being crushed by a vehicle at his workplace on Tuesday afternoon.

"Any workplace injury or death that could be prevented by education and occupational health and safety is a tragedy,” Ramesh Ferris, a close friend of Chabot's for more than a decade, told the Star today.

Ferris remembers Chabot as a good friend with a passion for his work.

"No matter what was going on in his personal life, he would always give you a smile,” said Ferris.

"And he loved his work, and he was always so safety-conscious.”

A man who loved the outdoors, Chabot came to the Yukon about 10 years ago from his home in Sherbrooke, in Quebec's Eastern Townships, to start a life for himself.

"It was the magic and the mystery of the Yukon that brought him here,” said Ferris.

"He was the only guy I knew who would just take off and climb like 1,000 feet somewhere in snowshoes, but he'd always make it home.”

Both Ferris and Chabot were part of a close-knit group of friends, bound by their shared experience as newcomers to the community and distance from families back home.

They came together throughout the year, particularly during the holidays, where they would celebrate what they called "orphan Christmas” or "orphan Thanksgiving.”

"We were all like family up here,” he said.

The loss of their friend will affect them all, Ferris said.

"I feel a mix of emotions right now,” said Ferris.

"I am saddened; I'm horrified. This is a time to celebrate his life, but it is also a time to come together and make sure that workplaces are safe and to remind ourselves that we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and our employees.”

The Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board is investigating Chabot's death.

The results of the autopsy have come in and it appears that Chabot suffered from serious head injuries, said Sharon Hanley, the territory's chief coroner.

The coroner's office is still awaiting the results of the blood work and other tests.

"At this point, the incident is still under investigation,” said Sgt. Don Rogers, a spokesperson for the RCMP.

"We are acting on behalf of the coroner's service and in conjunction with the workplace health and safety board.”

The RCMP would not disclose whether any charges have been laid as a result of Chabot's death.

The board will not comment on the investigation until investigators complete a preliminary report, it said earlier this week.

The investigation comes as cold comfort to Chabot's loved ones.

"The truth is, a 34-year-old man left for work one day and didn't come back to his friends and family,” said Ferris.

He and other friends have set up a memorial at Integra Tire, where they gathered after the tragedy to remember their friend.

"We encourage Yukoners to go there and visit, even if they didn't know him,” said Ferris.

"Just go down and visit to show support for the prevention of workplace deaths and injuries and for the recognition of our duty to stay educated and stay safe.”