Rameez Khalid, pictured, who was stabbed to death on Oct. 6 was “an over-achiever” said his friend and GBC student Malcolm Wyllie. Photo: Facebook

Toronto’s annual night of fun and extravagant art, Nuit Blanche, took an ugly turn this year when Rameez Khalid, 19, was stabbed to death.

The incident took place on Oct. 6 around 2 a.m. at Richmond St. E and York St. in Toronto. It was one of the sites of this year’s Nuit Blanche, a 12-hour event showcasing contemporary art to a large audience.

An altercation between two groups, one of which Khalid was associated with, took place south of Queen St. At the time, the area which was host to a pop-up rave of 300 people. Khalid left the scene with a friend after some time and walked towards Richmond St. where they met the suspect group again and another violent altercation took place.

When police arrived on the scene, Khalid was found lying in the northern side of Richmond street near the sidewalk with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to St. Michael’s hospital via emergency run but was pronounced dead.

Emanuel Lozada, 22, faces a charge for second-degree murder in this case and is wanted by police, along with two other persons of interest identified by their street names “Yoda” and “Munchies”.

Khalid’s long-time friend Malcolm Wyllie, 20, said, “People have to know what a great person he was and keep his legacy going. He was the kind of person who would give you his last dollar if you needed it more than he did.” Wyllie has completed two dual courses at GBC, and hopes to return this coming summer for the culinary program.

Dancing, drama, parkour and photography were just a few of the activities enjoyed by Khalid.

Before his passing, Khalid had also participated in a program called Krumping Out Crime, an after-school programme designed to keep young kids away from criminal activity. Funded by Toronto Police through the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Khalid opened up a positive door for teens. “If kids are going to the after-school program, they won’t have time to commit crimes,” said Wyllie.

Not only did Khalid spark Wyllie’s motivation, he enabled teens to look at the world in a more positive light. An inspiration to many and a great dancer to boot, Khalid had taken Krumping classes at a local dance studio and brought Wyllie along. No matter what Khalid put his mind to, Wyllie describes Khalid as “an over-achiever”, excelling at everything he did.

Wyllie, after the loss of his friend, now looks to continue on in his inspirational footsteps.