The concrete steps behind UTSC’s humanities wing leading towards the valley will soon become a place of remembrance for Shivank Avasthi.

On December 23, 2025, Avasthi was killed in a shooting in the Highland Creek Valley immediately next to campus. That day, UTSC was under lockdown from 4:29–5:32 pm. No arrests have been made. A spokesperson for the university wrote that, “Toronto Police have advised this is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the University of Toronto community.” 

Avasthi was a third-year life science student, powerlifting club executive, and cheerleading team member whom friends remember for his kindness. The memorial will be set up later in the week as more students return from winter break.

“Our plan is to put it by these steps, and just set up a little makeshift memorial where people can place flowers and items he liked in memory of him,” one of his friends wrote to The Varsity.

Campus organizations shared tributes on social media remembering Avasthi. U of T Powerlifting Club wrote in an Instagram post, “Your smile had a way of lifting everyone around you, and your presence made the UofT Powerlifting community feel like a true family. We are incredibly grateful for the time we shared with you and for everything you gave to our team, both inside and outside the gym.”

“Your kindness, energy, and spirit will never be forgotten. We were privileged to have you as part of our family, and your impact will stay with us forever. You will be deeply missed and always remembered,” the post continued.

UTSC Cheerleading also commemorated Avasthi, writing on social media, “Shivank lit up practice and brought up everyone’s spirits with his encouragement and support. He brought a smile to anyone’s face when you talked with him, and as a team we were so lucky to have him. Rest easy, Shivank.”

On December 25, 2025, Principal Linda Johnston wrote in an email to UTSC, “This is a time of great sorrow in our community and one of unimaginable loss for Shivank’s loved ones. The University has contacted Shivank’s family to express our deepest condolences and to offer support. We have also offered supports to UTSC community members who we know were connected with Shivank through campus groups and to those who have reached out to us.”

On January 3, the Toronto Police Service wrote to The Varsity that they had no new updates at this time.