Hundreds gather to remember Charles McGillivary
Posted August 8, 2011 10:32 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – A solemn vigil was held Monday night for 45-year-old Charles McGillivary.
More than 200 people turned out to the corner of Christie Street and Bloor Street West to show their support. Friends, family and supporters sang songs, laid flowers and lit candles in memory of Charlie.
McGillivary, who was mentally disabled, collapsed and died after an altercation with police on August 1.
His mother Ann was with him when he collapsed and told 680News she wants to prevent this tragedy from happening again.
“It’s very important that if I can help one child and I save at least one then it’s worth all this pain.” Said Ann.
McGillivary was reportedly out for a walk with his mother to buy a piece of pizza when police arrested him. He then collapsed and was taken to hospital where he died.
The special investigations unit is now investigating McGillivary’s death, saying there was a physical interaction during his arrest.
A family friend told 680News the man was harmless.
“He was like a little boy trapped in a mans body, but he was very loving and caring and you couldn’t find a sweeter soul.”
McGillivary suffered brain damage during a car accident when he was four-years-old and used sign language to communicate.
