Teen drank, smoked pot before drowning in Miles Canyon last year, Yukon coroner says

A Whitehorse teenager had been drinking with friends and smoking pot before jumping into the frigid Yukon River and drowning last June, Yukon's coroner has found.

19-year-old Michael Groeningwas hanging out with three friends at Miles Canyon on June 15, 2015. Witnesses saw himjumpfrom the suspension bridge to the river, 10 metres below.

In her report, coroner Kirsten Macdonald said Groeningwas seen by several witnesses to attempt to swim, and one on-looker dove in the water to attempt a rescue.

Groening disappeared in the fast-moving water. His body was found two weeks later, downstream in Schwatka Lake.

"The waterin that area [Miles Canyon] may look calm on the surface, but we know well there's undertowand strong currents," Macdonald said.

Toxicology tests on Groening's body detected cannabis, and a blood alcohol level of .19 per cent something Macdonald believes was a factor in his death.

"Use of alcohol and cannabis can reduce inhibitions and impair judgement related to risk-taking behaviour," according to her report.

"The ability of someone to rescue themselves certainly can be taken into account in this circumstance," Macdonald said.