‘One of the biggest hearts’: Moving tributes to first victim identified in horror Toronto attack that left 10 dead
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The first victim of a deadly van attack that left 10 people dead and 15 other injured has been identified.
Anne Marie D'Amico has been named as one of the people who tragically lost their lives as pedestrians were struck just before 1.30pm local time (6.30pm UK time) yesterday, CBC reports
Moving tributes have called her "a rock, a champion, a soldier, a nurturer" and described her as having 'one of the biggest hearts'.
Anne was reportedly an employee at Invesco, a US based investment management firm.
In a statement to CBC, Peter Intraligi, president of Invesco Canada, said: "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those impacted by this tragic event,"
"I can now confirm that unfortunately one of our employees has succumbed to her injuries.
“Out of respect for her and her family, we will not be providing any further comments."
(Image: Facebook)
A moving tribute from Brodie MacDonald on Facebook says: "I am so angry at the world today and I am so sorry that this happened to you and as tears roll down my face thinking about the incredible person that you were, please know that you made a difference in so many peoples' lives.
"You were a rock, a champion, a soldier, a nurturer, a friend in Dominican... You were what we all needed, when we needed it."
Danielle Michaud wrote on Twitter: "My @TennisCanada family lost one of its brightest lights & biggest hearts in Anne Marie D’Amico.
"I’m devastated for her family...a big, loving, tight-knit group. No words for this tragedy."
Anne's next of kin have been informed.
The incident happened as people were enjoying a sunny afternoon on Monday.
Many left flowers at a makeshift memorial, which grew as commuters returned to work this morning.
(Image: MEGA)
(Image: MEGA)
Blank white posters left against a stone wall were covered with messages, and the Canadian flag was lowered to half-staff at parliament and at Toronto city hall.
Police have arrested a 25-year-old IT student over the van rampage.
Alek Minassian is a software developer from the Richmond Hill area of the Canadian city.
His LinkedIn profile shows he attended Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology where classmates say he was still attending classes as recently as last week.
(Image: Linked In)
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: Getty Images North America)
Minassian was arrested at the scene of the massacre after being confronted by police following the horrific incident.
He was heard to shout "Kill me! Shoot me in the head!" at an officer who then bravely took him to the ground unharmed.
Minassian will appear in court at 10 am EDT (2pm UK time), Toronto police said.
Charges will be made public at that time.
Minassian, who was not previously known to authorities, attended a high school program where one classmate remembered
him as "absolutely harmless".
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While the worst mass killing in Canada in decades has the hallmarks of other deadly vehicle assaults by Islamic State supporters in the United States and Europe, officials said it did not represent a threat to national security.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident a "tragic and senseless attack".