The pedestrian who was hit 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 humor and a “huge heart.”
Twenty-six-year-old Gregory Girgis was one of two pedestrians affected during a collision between several vehicles on Wellington Street and University Avenue at 11:45 p.m., Friday.
Police said a 26-year-old man was driving a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee westbound on Wellington Avenue West, while a 53-year-old man was operating a 2022 Honda CRV heading north on University Avenue and a 49-year-old man operated. a Toyota Corolla 2020 heading north on University Avenue.
The 26-year-old allegedly drove through the intersection with a red 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, was seriously injured and taken to hospital.
Occupants of the Honda and Toyota were also taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Toronto paramedics said they transported a total of seven people to the hospital.
Nitan Thakur, 26, of Toronto, was arrested in connection with the incident and faces six charges, including aggravated operations that resulted in death and bodily injury, more than 80 operations that resulted in death and bodily harm, and dangerous driving that caused death and bodily injury.
Thakur was due to appear in court on Saturday. The charges have not been proven.
Big brother remembers the victim
Girgis’ older brother, Kevin, described him as a sweet, affectionate person who had a contagious laugh.
“Deep down, he had a huge heart even though he was a bit of a joker,” Kevin said. “He was just a very lovable person.”
“It was a lot of fun. Everyone laughed at him, with him at the same time, too. If you ever needed anything from him, you just had to ask,” he added.
Kevin said his brother had just finished his turn at a nearby Jack Astor’s when the incident happened. On Saturday, the restaurant closed the day in memory of its little brother, he said.
An makeshift monument has also been formed near the crash site, where flowers, a hockey stick and a beer have been placed.
“It’s not real yet,” Kevin said. “It won’t be real, probably never.”
“None of us really have to say goodbye to him, which is the worst part.”
Kevin shared that he talked to his brother about life during a brief phone call a few days ago. Gregory, he said, always gave excellent advice.
“He could reassure me even if he was younger than me. Sometimes I was wrong. And I go to him to reassure me about what happened. And he would reassure me,” he said. “I tried to do it for him. And I tried to learn as much from him as I tried to teach him. I just wish I had a chance to prove it and do it.”