Kelowna stabbing victim mourned
Friends of man slain after Canada Day fireworks post tributes on social media
The man who was stabbed to death following Canada Day celebrations in downtown Kelowna is remembered as a kind soul by friends.
Esa Carriere, 23, had recently moved to Kelowna from Ontario.
He was killed outside City Hall at the Queensway bus loop following the fireworks Sunday night.
Police were called to the scene at 10:50 p.m. and found Carriere on the ground suffering life-threatening stab wounds.
He was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“At this time, our investigators consider this incident an isolated event,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
Carriere’s death is the first confirmed homicide of the year in Kelowna.
According to his Facebook page, Carriere graduated from Erindale Secondary School in Mississauga in 2011.
On July 1, five hours before his death, Carriere posted that he was looking for a room to rent, saying he worked full time.
“I will forever remember our childhood memories,” Carriere’s friend Samra Amin posted on Facebook. “I am beyond sad to hear the news of your passing. We had so many memories growing up together in McBride, Woodlands and all my life in Shalimar since we were three.”
Joey Delloro also posted about his memories with Carriere.
“Waking up to the news of your passing is so devastating, when a kind soul such as yourself has gone way too soon,” wrote Delloro. “Feels like yesterday we were just running into each other at Ever After, vibing to the music and talking about your move to B.C.”
Waise Sahel posted that Carriere was “so excited to move out west.”
“You were a great guy and didn’t deserve this.”
Police have not said if anyone has been arrested in connection with the homicide or if they have identified any suspects.
They are urging witnesses to come forward with any information as they attempt to establish a timeline leading up to Carriere’s death.
“Police are also interested in collecting any videos or images taken before, during or following the incident,” said O’Donaghey.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP serious crime unit at 250-762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 to remain anonymous.