Downtown memorial growing after 26-year-old killed by suspected impaired driver
Posted July 3, 2022 2:22 pm.
Last Updated July 4, 2022 5:06 pm.
A makeshift memorial was set up at the corner of University Avenue and Wellington Street West on Sunday for a 26-year-old who was killed by a suspected impaired driver days earlier.
Gregory Girgis died after a jeep ran through a red light and struck two other vehicles while driving northbound on University late Friday night. The collision caused two pedestrians to get struck, including Girgis
He was pronounced dead at the scene while seven other people, a pedestrian and six vehicle occupants, were transported to hospital with various injuries.
“I just wanted to say bye,” says Girgis’ brother Kevin at the memorial on Sunday. “He was so nice, forgiving, super sweet, caring.”
A memorial has been set up for Gregory Girgis, the 26-year-old killed early Saturday morning after a vehicle allegedly ran through a red light and hit two other vehicles, causing two pedestrians to get struck at University and Wellington July 2, 2022. (CityNews Toronto/Craig Wadman)
Girgis was walking home from his job at a nearby Jack Astor’s restaurant when the crash took place. His workplace took time to honour his memory over the weekend.
“They actually closed in memory of him, and they all celebrated his life,” says Kevin. “It was really nice.”
The parent company of Jack Astor’s issued a statement on Monday.
“There are no words to describe such a senseless act and all of us have been deeply impacted by this tragedy,” the statement said in part.
“The team at Front Street who knew him and worked with him described him as a genuinely happy person with a great sense of humour, who was always willing to help and a joy to work with. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and coworkers at this very difficult time.”
Girgis’ family members have set up the memorial and say he is loved and dearly missed.
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The three vehicles involved in the crash were badly damaged as a result of the crash.
The driver of the jeep, a 26-year-old man, is facing six charges including impaired driving. He made a court appearance on Saturday.
Police have asked businesses and anyone located in the area where the fatal collision who has video footage to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign was launched to help support Girgis’s family.
