U of T reeling after shooting death of Shivank Avasthi
Honouring a student, holding grief and navigating safety in the aftermath of a shocking loss.
On January 7, Toronto Police announced the arrest of a 28-year-old Toronto man, who has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi.
On December 23, 2025, Avasthi was pronounced dead on a trail near Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road on the University of Toronto (U of T) Scarborough (UTSC) campus. Police have stated that the suspect and Avasthi did not know each other and that there is no known motive as of yet. Police have noted that the investigation is ongoing.
In a statement, Toronto Police described Avasthi as a young person who “had his whole life ahead of him.” That sentiment has echoed across U of T students online. Students have shared memories of his warmth, his presence, and the quiet ways he impacted those around him, reminders that loss is felt most deeply in the spaces someone once occupied. In an Instagram post by @uoftpowerlifting, students leave heartfelt comments about the devastating loss.
The timing of the incident, during winter break, meant that most of the students were not present on campus for the holidays. For some, returning to campus or even thinking about familiar trails and walkways has been unsettling.
“I think the scariest part about this whole incident is that it happened so close to campus, a place that’s considered safe for studying and spending time with friends,” said a UTSC student who wished to remain anonymous. “It makes one wonder and pause for a second.”
Others have spoken about the difficulty of holding grief alongside daily responsibilities, especially as the winter term begins. Counselling and mental-health support remain available through all three campuses, and students are encouraged to reach out, not only to services but to each other.
Naturally, in the wake of Avasthi’s death, questions concerning safety have emerged. Students are worried about patrolling, lighting, and visibility in areas surrounding campus, especially near trails and sidewalks.
According to an email thread between U of T President Melanie Woodin and UTSC Principal Linda Johnston, addressed to students on January 8, Campus Safety has highlighted the increased patrolling near UTSC and Highland Creek Valley, along with adequate safety measures remaining in place. “We encourage you to make use of safety resources, including Travel Safer (a walk-safe campus escort service), UTSC’s Lone Worker program and mobile Bluelight. More information can be found on the UTSC Campus Safety page or via the Campus Safety mobile app,” the email read.
They also emphasized that current protocols are under review, and conversations concerning how to best support students’ sense of security moving forward are actively taking place.
As the community continues to come to terms with the events, many have emphasized keeping the focus on Avasthi’s life and legacy, rather than solely on the circumstances of his death.
