Homicide victim was a 'joyful' football player, photographer

Family and friends of Tyson Ndongozisay the 20-year-old Burundian immigrant, shot dead on Sunday night, was an avid football player and photographer.

Ndongozi, whose full name was Loris Tyson NdongoziNkunzimana, was shot on Sundayin Ottawa'sLowertown neighbourhood becoming the city's tenth homicide victim of 2021.

Police continue to look for suspects, who also shot another 20-year-old man. The second victim was taken to hospital in stable condition.

Ndongoziimmigrated from Burundi with his family four years ago, according to his cousin GhislainKezabahizi.

When he arrived, Ndongozifell in love with Canada and was heavily involved in the community through his main hobbies of photography and football.

"[He was]joyful, always smiling," saidKezabahizi, who is alsovice-president with the Alliance des Burundais du Canada.

Kezabahizi said the whole communityis in disbelief that he is gone, while Ndongozi'sfamily remains in shock.

"You're hoping for a better futurefor your children or even for yourself, and then thishappens," he said.

"He gets shot just randomly like that.And as a parent, I don'tthink nobody wants to bury their child."

Watch: Cousin remembers homicide victim:

Family of Lowertown shooting victim came to Canada hoping for a better future, cousin says

3 years ago

Duration 0:52

Ghislain Kezabahizi, whose cousin Loris Tyson Ndongozi Nkunzimana was killed in a shooting on Sunday, says the family came to Canada from Burundi four years ago hoping to find safety and security.

Dreams of football

Ndongozilearned football in Canada, eventually playing along the offensive line with the North Gloucester Giants at the midget level. He was recently recruited to play at a top football program in Quebec at CEGEPNotre-Dame.

Carroll Tolmie, an offensive line coach at the University of Ottawa, coached him at several camps and remembers Ndongozias a determined player.

"He was always trying to learn. He was always trying to get better," he said.

"He was polite, [he] befriended a lot of players on the team, players at our camp enjoyed himbeing there, because he was always fun."

A vigil to remember Ndongoziwas scheduled for Tuesdayat 6:30 p.m. at Jules Morin Park.

Watch: Mentor, coach remember Tyson Ndongozi:

Mentor, coach remember football player who was killed in shooting

3 years ago

Duration 0:51

Riki Duret, a former classmate, and Carroll Tolmie, University of Ottawa football coach, say 20-year-old Loris Tyson Ndongozi Nkunzimana had a passion for football and was always smiling.