Killed the day of his graduation, Jaydin Simpson's loss leaves a community reeling

It was supposed to be an evening of celebration. Instead, Jaydin Simpson was killed the same day he graduated from high school.

The 17-year-old has been identified as the victim in a fatal Danzig Street shooting Thursday night.

It was about 11:30 p.m. when police were called to the Toronto Community Housing townhouse complex. Simpson was found without vital signs and paramedics were unable to save him.

He was pronounced dead not long afterward at Sunnybrook Hospital, leaving a hole in the community he called home.

"He was an amazing kid," Simpson's friend Tila Lainscek told CBC News."He was always smiling, made sure everyone around him was having a good time."

'Jaydin had such a beautiful future'

Neighbours at the scene told CBC News Simpson and his friends were celebrating after having graduated that very day from Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Public School.

"Jaydin had such a beautiful future," said Andrew Buchoon, one of many of Simpson's teachers who gathered to remember him Friday. Simpson was on his way to George Brown College "to be a very productive member of society," Buchoon said. 

Both were innocent bystanders that July night when an altercation between two rival gang members broke out at a barbecue attended by about 100 people. 

"We don't want this to be linked to those tough times," Buchoon said. 

"We want Jaydin to be represented as someone who was thoughtful, who was kind, who was extremely.great to his siblings and moving forward in his life. And for this to happen?! We don't want this for any young person, doesn't matter what community he belongs to."  

On Friday, the complex was sealed off and a police forensics command post was set up as a large crowd had gathered in the wake of the shooting.

"Obviously people are very upset," said Toronto Police Insp. Norm Proctor. 

Police are now searching for an 18-year-old armed suspect described as a thin black male wearing a black hoodie, and are are asking anyone with information to come forward.

'This is a very difficult time'

Marios Tenentes, the principal of Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Public School, sent a note to students and parents Friday offering guidance "to help students and staff cope with this loss." 

In the letter, Tenentes said a staff meeting was held earlier Friday to ensure students would be equipped with the proper support, and added that TDSB social workers will be available Tuesday "should students need to speak to someone about dealing with their feelings of grief. 

"As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for all of us as we mourn this tragic loss of a young life. Jaydin was very well-liked and will be sorely missed by our students and staff," the letter read.

A book of condolences was available for students to sign Friday.