Toronto artist identified as victim in fatal hit-and-run

A 34-year-old man killed in a hit-and-run while riding his motorized longboard in Toronto’s north end on Monday has been identified as local artist Andre Alexander.

Emergency crews responded to a call just after 1:15 a.m. at the intersection of Bonnington Place and Sheppard Avenue East close to Yonge Street.

Toronto police said the man was travelling east on Sheppard Avenue East when he was hit by a car heading in the same direction.

Investigators said the driver briefly exited her vehicle, which is believed to be an older model silver or grey Toyota Yaris, before driving away. Police also said there was a child in the back of the car.

Alexander was rushed to a trauma centre in life-threatening condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

Muriel Alexander, Andre’s aunt, said he was more like a son than a nephew. She said he well known in the Kensington Market neighbourhood.

“It’s an impossible thing to comprehend our family is still in shock … He was safe. He wasn’t reckless. He would never take his longboard somewhere where he could be injured,” Muriel said.

“If he was here right now, he would probably be in Kensington Market selling his art.”

VIDEO: Motorized longboarder killed in alleged hit-and-run in north-end Toronto

2:32 Motorized longboarder killed in alleged hit-and-run in north-end Toronto

She said she and her family are looking for answers while making a direct appeal to the driver.

“I would encourage the driver to come forward it’s not that we’re looking for someone to pay we’re looking for a community to grieve,” Muriel said.

“We’re also praying for the driver and their family because something like that can’t happen and only affect one side.”

A GoFundMe page set up to help cover the family’s funeral costs said Alexander was an inspirational artist and a loving father.

“Andre Alexander also known as @hip_pop_art was an inspirational artist, loving father to his beautiful little girl, a gentleman who left a smile on everyone’s face, and a memorable presence to those he met along the way,” a description on the fundraising page said.

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“It is with deep sadness that we are saying “Farewell” to a beloved man that everyone adored. We are reaching out to everyone who can help his family at this difficult time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-1900 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.

Monday’s incident is the 53rd fatal collision in Toronto this year.

–With files from Caryn Lieberman and Nick Westoll