The pedestrian who was hit and killed by an alleged drunk driver in downtown Toronto on Canada Day has been identified by his family, who remember him as a man with a great sense of humor and a “huge heart.”
Twenty-six-year-old Gregory Girgis was one of two pedestrians struck during a multi-vehicle collision at 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, a 53-year-old man was driving a 2022 Honda CRV northbound on University Avenue, and a 49-year-old man was driving a 2020 Toyota Corolla northbound on University Avenue.
The 26-year-old man allegedly drove through the intersection at a red light and crashed into the Honda and Toyota, police said.
Girgis suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other hit pedestrian – a 32-year-old man – suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.
The 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 hospital.
Nithan 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 operations causing death and bodily harm and dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm.
Thakur was scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. The charges have not been proven.
The older brother remembers the victim
Girgis’ older brother, Kevin, described him as a kind and caring person who had an infectious laugh.
“Deep down he had a huge heart, even though he was a bit of a joker,” Kevin said. “He was just a very nice guy.”
“He was really funny. Everyone laughed at him, along with him too. If you ever need anything from him, all you have to do is ask,” he added.
Kevin said his brother had just finished his shift at 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 was formed near the crash site, where flowers, a hockey stick and beer were placed.
“It’s still not real,” Kevin said. “It won’t be real, probably ever.”
“None of us really got 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 calm me down even though he’s younger than me. Sometimes I made mistakes. And I go to him for reassurance about whatever happens. And he calmed me down,” 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 had the opportunity to show that and come full circle.”
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