We are devastated to hear of another young Malayalee losing his life after coming to Canada with big dreams. He was just 28 years old.

Abhishek Nair, the only child of his parents, was found dead on a Toronto streetcar on Sunday August 2, 2026. Cause of death remains unknown and is under investigation.

Abhishek originates from Vadodara (Gujrat) and arrived in Toronto as an international student in 2021 to study at Conestoga College in Kitchener. His parents sent him here with great aspirations for a strong future. Like many of us, his goal was to complete his studies, secure PR status and enter a profession that would offer security to his family.

By Nov 2025, he began exhibiting symptoms of depression and was hospitalized on occasion. Thus began a 6-month struggle with his mental health while battling homelessness and entering the city's shelter system. His family was unable to reach him for many months and had significant worry for his well-being.

The World Malayalee Council Greater Toronto and Hamilton chapter played a pivotal role in tracing Abhishek Nair. We were approached by the family to follow up on his case and confirmed his existence through a formal police report. We were in the process of facilitating his travel to his parents with the assistance of Baroda Kerala Samajam and local authorities.

His parents are overwhelmed with grief at the shocking news of their son's passing, and are left without the resources to repatriate his body back to India, or to move forward after that.

Sadly, Abhishek's father is a kidney patient and undergoes expensive dialysis treatments. His mother struggles with the weight of managing the medical and household expenses.

This family is appealing to the community for help as their entire world has turned upside down. This could have happened to anyone we know.

Every penny of your donation will be used to cover funeral and repatriation expenses and help his parents avoid destitution following the loss of their son. If you have the means to help, please do so: every amount makes a difference. Anonymous donations are absolutely okay.

Please share this fundraiser on your whatsapp status or with a few friends so we can make a meaningful contribution. Any questions about this fundraiser may be directed to the email address listed on this page.

On behalf of the World Malayalee Council, Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area chapter,

Liz Kochummen