In what has left his family and friends grieving, a 30-year-old Black Contractor, Kwadwo Asamoah-Boakye was gunned down in the Toronto’s latest deadly shooting.
Two of his friends, who were pictured at the scene of the ugly incident, stood in grief thinking about a productive life stolen by gun violence.
Speaking with newsmen, Kaeem Reid said “He was a community leader. He was a father. An entrepreneur. He was not involved in anything like that”.
“This was overkill. He was a great individual, this man.”
According to reports, a small memorial sprung up at the spot where Boakye died.
It was reported that, the makeshift memorial includes a framed photo of the 30-year-old, a bouquet of red roses, and more than a dozen candles in the small, covered passageway beside Toronto Community Housing units on Driftwood Ave.
Kwadwo’s friends stated that he was the father of two young boys.
Reid, who reportedly knew Boakye for ten years, said “He is for growing the positive capacity of the community. And now he’s not here with us today,”
In a statement, Toronto Police said Boakye was killed when shots rang out just before 9 p.m. near Driftwood Ave. and Grandravine Dr. — southeast of Jane St. and Finch Ave. W.
Reports said Officers found him suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and Paramedics tried to save him but Boayke died at the scene.
Another of the deceased’s friend, Ameen noted that Boakye was the force behind setting up “Build and Builders Development Group,” which describes itself as a group “that teaches historically disadvantaged youth painting, and onsite construction safety awareness, with the hope of giving them the keys to their own independence.”
While describing the father of two as a strong hero” and “a leader, a grieving Ameen said “He was a loving, caring, inspiring individual”.
Also reacting to the unfortunate incident, a woman who lives nearby described Boakye as “a good kid.”
Speaking with newsmen, the woman, who preferred anonymity, said “when the youths would be slacking, he was one to step in, talk to them, and guide them.”
It was reported that those who knew and loved Boakye held a vigil at the spot where he fell.
NCNC gathered that A GofundMe page has also been set up to raise money for his young family to help pay for Boakye’s funeral.
Meanwhile, investigators are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone driving in the area who may have captured the shooting on their dash cameras, to call the Homicide Unit at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
