Friends hoped for 'miracle' before 49-year-old succumbed to his injuries after shooting in Toronto
A father and financial analyst who had been fighting for his life since he was shot outside his home in Midtown Toronto on Sunday succumbed to his injuries Wednesday, police said, leaving friends and family in disbelief.
Ike Kaja, 49, was a genial and sweet person who was not a risk taker and was so concerned about COVID-19 he would only meet outside, said his friend Katia Millar.
“When I heard the news I was heartbroken for him and his family and his four-year-old son and all the people who love and care for him,” Millar said.
“This is someone who was not involved in any kind of trouble or anything. He was scared of COVID more than anyone. He was cautious and careful in everything in his life,” Millar said.
Toronto police were called before midnight to Avenue Road near Eglinton Avenue around 10 p.m. on Sunday. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from life-threatening injuries in a car behind the property.
Millar said Kaja had just dropped off his four-year-old son and was coming home.
He was taken to hospital, where he died on Wednesday.
“I was shaken. I was hoping for a miracle. I knew that being shot in the head is not something you survive easily and you’re not going to come out unscathed, but I was hoping for a better outcome,” Millar said.
Flowers were dropped off at Kaja’s home on Avenue Road on Friday, with neighbours describing the killing as a complete surprise.
Kaja was a financial analyst. He completed an MBA at Rotman School of Business. He grew up in Nigeria but called Maryland home where he worked as an accountant until he moved to Toronto at age 34.
In an article on FT.com he described his love of the stock market, saying he wanted to come to study in this city because it was a financial hub.
“The icing on the cake: I have the opportunity to live in and explore the beautiful city of Toronto,” he wrote in the article.
Police are asking anyone who was in the area between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. or who may have video footage to contact police at 416-808-7400 or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.