Toronto man killed during robbery hours after Kentucky Derby

WATCH: Friends are in shock after a Toronto man was shot and killed after attending the Kentucky Derby. Cindy Pom reports.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Police in Louisville say a Canadian tourist in town for the Kentucky Derby was shot to death near his hotel during a robbery.

Three people have been arrested in connection with the killing, and police say the three were responsible for a string of Derby night robberies.

The man has been identified by friends as Scott Hunter.

In a Facebook post, Toronto pub House on Parliament described Hunter, who was a bartender there, as an entrepreneur with a heart of gold.

“We will remember him as a tough-as-nails co-worker with a heart of gold, always there with a warm hug, a shoulder to cry on, a quick grin and funny as hell.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We will remember him as a tough-as-nails co-worker with a heart of gold, always there with a warm hug, a shoulder to cry on, a quick grin and funny as hell."

Hunter was also behind Grinder Coffee, a cafe in Leslieville.

WATCH: Police say robbery led to killing of Canadian tourist after Kentucky Derby

The shop says on its Facebook page it will be closed until Tuesday, and thanked everyone for the support over the loss of one its owners.

Hunter’s Facebook page says he attended Cathedral High School in Hamilton.

Louisville Metro Police Lt. Todd Kessinger says the victim and his friend were walking to their hotel when the suspects picked them at random to rob late Saturday, a few hours after the Derby.

Kessinger says the victim fought back and was shot during the struggle.

Louisville authorities have not identified the victim. Police say he was from Toronto.

Police say they arrested a man, his sister and his sister’s boyfriend.

They’re identified as 19-year-old Tyrone Thomas, 20-year-old Fatima Abu-diab and 18-year-old Fahed Abu-diab.

With files from Tania Kohut