Toronto police have released a brief statement regarding the death of Sumaya Dalmar, a Toronto trans woman, over the weekend.
According to friends, Dalmar, who also went by the name Sumaya Ysl, died sometime during the weekend of Feb 21–22. Rumours abounded on social media that her death may have been a homicide. Toronto police released a statement on Feb 24 that police responded to a call in the east end of the city on Feb 22.
“A woman was found unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene,” the statement reads. “At this time, we have no evidence to indicate the death is suspicious.” An autopsy provided inconclusive results while toxicology reports are pending.
A Toronto Police Service spokesperson was unable to provide other details surrounding the woman’s death or to confirm her identity.
In a statement provided to Daily Xtra by Lali Mohamed — a friend of Dalmar’s — friends and family speak of their devastation surrounding her death. “And yet, we are reminded by all the memories being shared by community members that her spirit will stay with us forever.”
A public memorial for Dalmar has been organized at the 519 Church Street Community Centre on March 3, from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Toronto police ask that anyone with more information regarding this incident to contact 55 Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 416-808-5504 or Toronto Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
HG Watson can be reached at hg.watson@dailyxtra.com or @hg_watson on Twitter.
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