A Toronto teacher fatally shot in Lawrence Heights earlier this week is being remembered as a respected leader who provided guidance to the youth.
More than 1,000 people, including family, friends, students and colleagues, gathered at a mosque in Etobicoke for a funeral service for 31-year-old Abshir Hassan Friday afternoon.
Hassan, a supply teacher with the Toronto District School Board, was fatally shot early Tuesday morning while attending a birthday party at an apartment complex on Flemington Road, in the Lawrence Avenue West and Allen Road area.
“(He was) a teacher who gave to his brothers and sisters for the good of humanity,” Imam Mahamed Ali said of Hassan. “It is a loss to all of us. He died not only in our community, but the whole city.”
“Those who knew him say he was a good man. He supported people, the youth, helped them have a chance in life.”
Two others, an 18-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man, were also wounded in the shooting. Both remain in hospital.
None of the victims were known to police, and investigators still have no motive for the shooting.
Police continue to review security camera footage for possible clues.
A reception will be held tonight at Lawrence Heights Community Centre beginning at 6 p.m.
A trust account has also been opened at CIBC branches with money raised going to Lawrence Heights Middle School. Account information is listed below.
- Account number: 7916280
- Transit number: 01912
- Institution: 010
