Tributes continue to pour in for Shawn Godard after he fell to his death in Yellowknife over the weekend.
At approximately 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, police responded to a report of someone falling from a fourth-floor balcony at the Bison Hill apartment building downtown.
Upon arrival, officers found a ‘severely injured’ man at the base of the building on 52 Street.
After being transported to Stanton Hospital, Godard was medevaced to Edmonton for further treatment. But police say he become unresponsive during travel and was declared dead.
In a heartfelt Facebook post Monday, the GNWT’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources remembered Godard as a leader with a hard work ethic.
As a firefighter with more than a decade of experience, he was also known for having a great sense of humour and a big heart.
“We are all going to miss him dearly as a friend and co-worker,” read the post, which was published Monday afternoon.
“Shawn was in his element while out on the land with his crew, battling fires, protecting people and values at risk in the NWT. The fire program in the Northwest Territories will miss such a dedicated and passionate firefighter.”
‘No one can replace him’
Hundreds of Yellowknife residents have expressed sadness over Godard’s death on social media.
In a Facebook comment under the department’s original post, Yellowknife’s Eric Tsetta said Godard truly was a great man and that no one could replace him.
Kyle Mandeville added: “It was great working with you Shawn. Prayers for your family at this sad time.”
Yellowknife RCMP and the territory’s chief coroner’s office continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Godard’s death.
However, police said Monday that there is no evidence of foul play and that his death doesn’t appear to be suspicious in nature.
Godard was 33 years old.
