A 22-year-old Whistler man has died following a medical incident at one of his workplaces on Thursday, Jan. 23.
A spokesperson for local fine dining restaurant Wild Blue confirmed the staff member experienced a sudden medical emergency prior to starting his dinner service shift and, despite the efforts of first responders, did not survive.
"This loss has deeply impacted our team, and out of respect for their family and staff, the restaurant is closed," a statement from the restaurant said. "Thank you for your kindness, understanding, and support as we navigate this very difficult time."
Whistler Community Services Society staff were onsite Thursday night and Friday to support the restaurant's employees, as well as Father Andrew L'Heureux from Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church.
Creekside Market, where the man worked in the meat department, issued a similar statement, and closed the store early on Friday.
“The well-being of our team is our top priority, and this loss has profoundly affected us all," the statement read in part.
Both Wild Blue and Creekside Market will reopen Saturday, Jan. 25.
The cause of death is unknown at this point. Whistler RCMP declined to comment.
Check back with Pique as this story develops.
This story has been updated since publication with information from Wild Blue.
