Friends and family of an off-duty firefighter who died from his injuries after he was stabbed in the head multiple times at an east-end café say they are devastated by his unexpected death.
Toronto radio host Jay Michaels, who was friends with Dominic Parker for nearly 15 years, says trying to make sense of the attack is "the hardest part."
"When you have a friend who is firefighter, you know they’re serving their city and if something was to happen, you know, at their job, you get it," Michaels told CTV Toronto.
"But to have someone just plucked out of your life just so devastatingly and tragically and so violently, it’s just gutting."
Parker, 45, was rushed to St. Michaels Hospital after Toronto police were called to Rotana café near Danforth and Coxwell avenues early Saturday morning.
According to a police news release, the Markham firefighter -- who friends say had just wrapped up shooting for a commercial film project in the area – was sitting in the café when a man stabbed him multiple times. Police say the attack was unprovoked.
Outside Markham fire stations, flags were flying at half mast in honour of Parker. At Station 92, Parker's fellow firefighters say they are also trying to come to terms with the loss. They say he was a positive and upbeat person.
The father of two had decided to become a firefighter at age 40 after pursuing multiple careers. He trained in Alberta.
Parker is survived by his wife and two daughters, who were in Montreal preparing for the start of university term at the time of the stabbing.
A funeral is being planned for Friday morning.
Nabil Huruy, 23, of Toronto, has been charged with first-degree murder and carrying a concealed weapon.
With a report from CTV Toronto’s Scott Lightfoot
