Who Was Shivank Avasthi? Indian Student Shot Dead Near University Of Toronto

Last Updated:December 26, 2025, 17:31 IST

According to the Toronto Police Service, the incident took place on Tuesday near the university’s Scarborough Campus.

A file photo of Shivank Avasthi (Toronto Police)

A young Indian doctoral student was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, prompting a homicide investigation by the Toronto Police Service.

According to the Toronto Police Service, the incident took place on Tuesday near the university’s Scarborough Campus. In a statement, the police said that officers were called to the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road at approximately 3:30 pm (local time) after reports of ‘unknown trouble.’

When officers arrived, they found a male victim, identified as 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi, with a gunshot wound on a paved trail running through a wooded section near the campus perimeter. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The police said that the suspect fled before officers arrived.

Who Was Shivank Avasthi?

Avasthi was a doctoral student at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus (UTSC). He was reportedly in the third year of his advanced studies in life sciences.

He used to visit the Campus Valley area, an area that was promoted and highlighted by the university, on a regular basis.

He was also a member of the UTSC Cheerleading team. The UTSC Cheerleading team condoled his death and said he “lit up practice and brought up everyone’s spirits with his encouragement and support."

“We are deeply saddened and in shock by the sudden loss of a beloved Maroon, Shivank Avasthi. He brought a smile to anyone’s face when you talked with him, and as a team, we were so lucky to have him. Rest easy, Shivank. UTSC Cheerleading will always love you, and you will always be a part of our family, in our hearts always," the team said in a post on Facebook.

Indian Consulate Condoles Death

India’s consulate in Toronto also expressed “deep anguish" over the student’s “tragic death".

“We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus," it said in a post on X.

“The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities," it added.

It reiterated that it remains engaged with local authorities as the investigation continues and is providing all possible support to the family of the deceased.

Meanwhile, police have launched a homicide investigation and appealed to the public for information. Anyone with details related to the case has been asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or reach Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or through www.222tips.com.

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