Family identifies fourth victim in Gainsborough house fire

Facebook page set up by brother to honour life of Matthew Zdybal

31-year-old Toronto man has been identified by his brother on Facebook as one of the four people killed in Friday morning’s tragic fire in the city’s east end.

A Facebook page called “In Loving Memory of Matthew Zdybal” was created by Zdybal’s younger brother Eric who posted a long, heartfelt message on Sunday evening confirming the death.

The blaze that broke out at the home of 95 Gainsborough Rd., near Coxwell Ave. and Gerrard St. E., killed four people and hospitalized two others.

Zdybal grew up in Port Credit and was active in extracurriculars like cheerleading and baseball, said the post.

“He was always willing to lend a helping hand and had a heart of gold that was evident to anyone he met in life,” the Facebook post said.

The post describes Zdybal as an “incredibly hard worker” who had a love for the outdoors, working and playing on the family farm in Vanessa, Ont.

“It was hard to find a time where he didn’t have a smile on his face and he will be remembered for his infectious personality.

“He was a great family member and friend and will be sorely missed by everyone,” the post read.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help all of those affected by the fire.

Marianna Mitrovic, who knew victims through a friend who lived in the house, started the page and is working with Rebecca Ackerman, Gainsborough community member Katharine L. Harrison and close family friend Dennis Kiriopoulos to raise funds.

The organizers said money will go toward funeral costs and helping those affected re-establish their lives. As of Sunday evening, more than $34,000 had been raised.

Toronto police declined to identify any of the victims.

However, the other three victims were identified via GoFundMe as Jana Jansons, her grandson Kai and Amanda Freimanis.

Various messages on the GoFund Me page identified FreiA as a DJ who went by the stage name “Amanda Panda,” saying that she loved to make people happy with her music.

“Panda loved to dance and share the energy of the dance floor with her tribe,” another message read.

“Everyone who knew her was touched by her amazing spirit and energy right away.”

A different GoFundMe page stated that Arija, the mother of Kai and daughter of Jansons, is a survivor who is in critical condition in hospital.

Toronto Fire Services declined to confirm details of her condition.