Regent Park murder victim Thane Murray remembered as a 'much-loved community member'

Gun violence has claimed the life of a “much-loved community member” from Toronto's Regent Park neighbourhood.

Thane Murray, of Toronto, was fatally shot shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, near Oak and Sumach streets, which is south of Gerrard Street East and west of River Street. He was 27.

Murray worked at the Regent Park Community Centre, as well as a number of other Parks, Forestry and Recreation facilities in the city’s east end. Much of his work was with youth and children.

He is being remembered by the City of Toronto as a “well-regarded member of the Toronto Public Service” who will be “deeply missed.”

In a statement, the City offered its “deepest condolences” to Murray’s family members, friends, and colleagues.

“We know he touched many lives through his work at recreation facilities in the City’s east end and his death has shocked so many in our Parks, Forestry and Recreation division. This is a tragedy for the Regent Park community and our entire city. I know Toronto Police are working to solve this murder and bring those responsible to justice,” Mayor John Tory said.

Last night, dozens of community members gathered at the spot where Murray was killed for a vigil in his honour. A makeshift memorial has also sprung up near Oak and Sumach streets.

In the statement, local Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam said she was in the community on Sunday speaking with residents about “the reprehensible gun violence and sudden death of Thane Murray, a well-known City youth and recreation worker in the community.”

“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,” she said.

“Thane will be missed by many and I’m thinking about his family and many friends in this difficult time.”

With heavy hearts we mourn the sudden death of Thane Murray, a well-known youth worker in the community and a City of Toronto employee at the Regent Park Community Centre. He was a valuable member of the Toronto Public Service and will be missed by many who knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/pjHW3wcVaJ

— Kristyn Wong-Tam 黃慧文 (@kristynwongtam) September 20, 2021

Wong-Tam also took to Twitter to comment further on addressing the roots of gun violence and how it must not be “normalized.”

Murray, who is Toronto’s 61st murder victim of 2021, was one of three people shot on Sept. 18 near a busy local park.

A 29-year-old Toronto man was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police said he is now in stable condition.

The other person shot that night is a 27-year-old Toronto man. He was taken to hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Murray was found suffering from multiple gunshots wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators are searching for four suspects. They were all last seen wearing dark-coloured clothing and masks that concealed their faces.

The suspects fled the area heading north, investigators said.

Anyone with information, including anyone that may have security camera footage, or who was driving in the area and has dashcam footage, is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.