Family, friends mourn tragic loss of international student in fatal Mississauga carjacking

Family and friends are speaking out after a violent carjacking in Mississauga led to the death of a 24-year-old international student.

Gurvinder Nath, 24, died in hospital days after being attacked while delivering a pizza and left on the side of the road. Police continue to search for the suspects involved in the tragedy.

“It’s very, very painful for us and his family,” said Balram Krishan, the victim’s cousin, who described him as a kind and caring young man.

Nath came to Canada two years ago to study business management and worked for a local pizza shop, making deliveries to pay his way through school.

“We lost a 24-year-old. He had so many dreams … he was going to become something and help the nation, and today he is no longer with us, which is very, very sad. I hope it doesn’t happen to somebody else,” added family friend Jaswinder Meelu.

The victim was rushed to a local trauma centre, where police said he died of his injuries on July 14. He was identified as 24-year-old Gurvinder Nath of Brampton. Photo: Peel Regional Police.

In the early morning hours of July 9, Nath arrived at a delivery location on Emerson Lane near Creditview and Britannia Roads. Police say he was confronted by unknown suspects. An altercation ensued, and they took off with his car.

His family tells CityNews the 24-year-old was hit over the head with a blunt object and left in the street. His boss made the tragic discovery after Nath failed to return.

Carjackings across the GTA have skyrocketed in recent years. In Peel Region, the number of incidents was up 45 per cent in 2022.

RELATED: Food delivery driver critically injured in violent Mississauga carjacking

Peel Regional Police are still seeking the suspects involved in Nath’s murder.

“At this time, we believe there is no threat to public safety. It appears to be an isolated incident. It is being investigated, and once we have the information, we will give it to the public,” said Peel Regional Police spokesperson Morgan Miller.

Arrangements are being made to send Nath back home to his village in India so his parents and siblings can say a proper goodbye. Loved ones say he will always be remembered as a young man who made a difference.

“He was a community guy. He would go to the temple and help people. He always [offered] his place, said you can come to stay with me until you find your space; that kind of person is always ready to help others,” shared Meelu.

Nath was heading into his last semester of college and had dreams of opening his own pizza shop one day, and he often spoke about providing employment for newcomers.

A candlelight vigil to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, July 22, in Mississauga.