Community event rallies in memory of 8-year-old Toronto boy killed by stray bullet

Celebration of JahVai Roy’s life doubles as call for action against Toronto’s gun violence

Holly Roy organized Saturday’s event to honour her eight-year-old killed by a stray bullet and turn her experience "into purpose."

‘Pain into purpose’: Community event rallies in memory of 8-year-old Toronto boy killed by stray bullet

A community event held in Toronto’s Canoe Landing Park celebrating the life of an eight-year-old boy killed by a stray bullet in 2025 wasn’t a traditional memorial but a way of turning his family’s pain into purpose, said his mother.

Memorial held for Toronto boy shot and killed by stray bullet in 2025

A community event was held in Toronto Saturday, honouring the life of JahVai Roy. He was lying in bed with his mother inside of their apartment on Aug. 16, 2025, when he was hit by a stray bullet. Roy, who was just eight years old, was rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. CBC's Naama Weingarten spoke with Roy's mother and has more on how the community is honouring his memory.

Life of JahVai Roy celebrated at memorial event aimed at supporting youth

Community members gathered Saturday to honour the memory of JahVai Roy, the young boy who was fatally struck by a bullet while he slept in his family’s North York apartment in August 2025. “I decided I’m going to turn my pain into purpose,” said Holly Roy, JahVai’s mother, who said the gathering was an opportunity to […]