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‘Much-loved’ recreation worker Thane Murray killed in shooting

Toronto and Regent Park are mourning the loss of a much-loved public servant who died in a shooting in the area.

Thane Murray, 27, was one of three men who were hit by gunfire near Oak and Sumach streets before 9 p.m. on Sept. 18.

Murray worked in programs at recreation facilities in the east end, according to a city statement offering condolences this morning.

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“Thane was a well-regarded member of the Toronto Public Service and a much-loved community member who will be deeply missed,” the statement said.

Toronto Centre councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam said she was in Regent Park after the shooting to talk to residents speaking to residents about gun violence and Murray’s death.

“In particular, it’s the youth and recreation workers and the incredible kids who knew firsthand of Thane’s hard work and deep passion for youth empowerment that are feeling this tragic loss the hardest,” Wong-Tam said. “Thane will be missed by many and I’m thinking about his family and many friends in this difficult time.”


Police were called to the area on Sept. 18 at 8:52 p.m. when gunshots were heard and found three wounded men.

A Toronto man, 29, was rushed to hospital with life threatening injuries and was later reported in stable condition.

Another Toronto man, 27,  was sent to hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

The third man, later identified as Murray, was found suffering from multiple gunshots wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Four persons, all wearing dark-coloured clothes and masks concealing their faces, are being sought by police.

They were last seen fleeing the area in a northerly direction.

Thene Murray homicide victim
THANE MURRAY: Undated photo distributed by police shows the east-end recreation worker in another setting.

Police are investigating. Anyone with security cameras or dash cameras operating in the area is asked to contact them.

“This is a tragedy for the Regent Park community and our entire city,” Mayor John Tory said. “I know Toronto Police are working to solve this murder and bring those responsible to justice.”

Fundraising page set up

Community members have been posting memorials to Murray on social media, calling him a “good, community oriented” young man.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to raise money for Murray’s family to pay funeral and memorial expenses.

“To know Thane was to love him … is to love him. He was a true impact player who left an imprint on all of the hearts of the people that he crossed paths with,” said Steffaney Diletto and Selina Sam on the fundraising page.

“He brought love and positivity to all of the stigmas that come with being from Regent Park,” they said. “He was there to remind the youth in the community that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”