Grandfather of Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman among Vaughan, Ont. shooting victims

The grandfather of a Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman is among those killed in a mass shooting at a Vaughan, Ont., condo building, the team has confirmed.

Police named the victims of Sunday’s mass shooting on Tuesday, saying 79-year-old Vittorio Panza was among those killed.

In a statement Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs confirmed Panza is the maternal grandfather to defenceman Victor Mete.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs are shocked and saddened by the tragic shooting that took place in Vaughan this past Sunday,” the statement read. “Our hearts go out to Victor and his family, to all the families and friends of those affected, and to the local community.”

Speaking with Global News on Tuesday, York Regional Police chief Jim MacSween said Panza was a “proud Italian immigrant.”

He was a “well-respected realtor” for over 40 years, and had a “great passion for music,” MacSween said.

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“He was a husband and father of three daughters and a proud Nono to seven grandchildren,” MacSween said.

MacSween said Panza was “a kind hearted and gentle individual” who loved his community, friends and “foremost, his family.”

In a statement posted to Twitter on Thursday, Mete thanked “everyone for their condolences, prayers, and support during this terrible time.”

“Our hearts are also with the other victims and their families that are going through this unspeakable tragedy,” he said in the statement. “Thank you to all the first responders for your brave response on Sunday and to YRP for your continued support.”

MacSween said emergency crews received a report of an active shooting call at around 7:20 p.m. on Dec. 18 at a condo building on Jane Street, just north of Rutherford Road.

He said officers encountered a “horrific scene.”

According to MacSween, the victims, who were all residents of the building, were shot and killed in three separate units on separate floors of the building.

Police said the suspect — who has been identified as 73-year-old Francesco Villi — was killed after an encounter with an officer on the third floor of the condo building.

Officials said he was a resident of the building.