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Ryerson Theatre student drowns near Queen’s Quay

By Sean Tepper
Associate News Editor

The Eyeopener has learned that the 21-year-old man who drowned near Queen’s Quay early Friday morning was Sarmad Iskandar, a third-year Ryerson theatre student.

The CBC reported on Friday that at approximately 3:45 a.m. Iskander fell into Lake Ontario at the foot of Yonge Street, just west of the Toronto Island ferry docks. After police and firefighters arrived on scene, members of the Toronto Police Marine Unit pulled Iskandar out of the water. He was pronounced dead in hospital.

Iskandar and a friend, who called police for help, had been riding Bixi rental bikes in the York Street and Queen’s Quay area prior to Iskander’s fall off the boardwalk and into the lake.

Born in Baghdad, Iskandar and his family moved to Canada in 1998, where he attended high school in Markham.

Some of his recent acting works include the lead role in three Ryerson Theatre productions including the role of Theseus in Moira Buffini’s “Welcome to Thebes.” In addition to acting, the multitalented Iskandar performed covers to a number of popular songs in addition to playing the trumpet.

Police intially told the CBC that they were treating the death as suspicious, but CTV Toronto reports police now suspect it may have been an accident.

Iskandar’s friends have taken to social media to express their grief and condolences.

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1 Comment

  1. Ramiz Iskander

    Lovely nephew Sarmad. I am saddened by this tragedy and I am so sad that I couldn’t be wih you. All my family loves you. We have your photos with us when you were 1 yr old. RIP and Jesus will look after your loving soul in heaven.

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