26-year-old pedestrian struck and killed by alleged drunk driver in downtown Toronto identified
The pedestrian who was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver in downtown Toronto on Canada Day has been identified by his family, remembering him as someone with a great sense of humour and a “huge heart.”
Twenty-six-year-old Gregory Girgis was one of two pedestrians hit during a multi-vehicle collision at Wellington Street and University Avenue, at 11:45 p.m. on Friday.
Police said a 26-year-old man was operating a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee westbound on Wellington Avenue West, while a 53-year-old man was operating a 2022 Honda CRV northbound on University Avenue and a 49-year-old man was operating a 2020 Toyota Corolla northbound on University Avenue.
The 26-year-old man allegedly drove through the intersection on a red traffic light and collided with the Honda and Toyota, police said.
Girgis suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other pedestrian hit, a 32-year-old man, suffered severe injuries and was transported to hospital.
Occupants of the Honda and the Toyota were also taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Toronto paramedics said they transported a total of seven people to hospital.
One person is dead and seven others have been injured after a collision at Wellington Street and University Avenue Friday night.
Nitan Thakur, 26, of Toronto was arrested in connection with the incident and faces six charges, including impaired operation causing death and bodily harm, over 80 operation causing death and bodily harm, and dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm.
Thakur was set to appear in court on Saturday. The charges have not been proven.
Older brother remembers victim
Girgis' older brother Kevin described him as a sweet and caring person who had an infectious laugh.
"Deep down, he had a huge heart even though he was a little bit of a jokester," Kevin said. "He was just a very lovable person."
"He was really funny. Everybody laughed at him, with him at the same time, too. If you ever needed something from him, all you had to do is ask," he added.
Kevin said his brother had just finished his shift at a nearby Jack Astor's when the incident happened. On Saturday, the restaurant closed for the day in memory of his little brother, he said.
A makeshift memorial has also formed near the scene of the crash, where flowers, a hockey stick and a beer have been placed.
A makeshift memorial stands for Gregory Girgis near the crash scene where he was fatally struck by an alleged impaired driver. (Simon Sheehan/CP24)
"It's still not real," Kevin said. "It won't be real, probably ever."
"None of us really got to say bye to him, which is the worst part."
Kevin shared that he talked to his brother about life during a short phone call a few days ago. Gregory, he said, always gave excellent advice.
"He could reassure me even though he's younger than me. Sometimes I made mistakes. And I go to him for reassurance for whatever happened. And he would reassure me," he said. "I tried to do that for him. And I tried to learn as much from him as I tried to teach him. I just wish he would have had the opportunity to show that and come full circle to that."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.