(Image Credit: GoFundMe)

By Victor Kaisar

Saturday Vigil

Community vigil being held to honour Kamloops homicide victim

Jan 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloopsians will gather at the Riverside Park Bandshell this Saturday (Jan. 17) evening for a vigil to honour the life and memory of Muhammad “Ash” Zafar.

Zafar was found dead in his Dalgleish Drive apartment on Jan. 5 during a wellness check, and RCMP initially said he was the victim of homicide. They later urged people who use online dating apps and websites — in particular men-seeking-men sites — to be careful as there is a threat to the public.

That warning prompted Kamloops Pride to also speak out and urge caution as they say Zafar’s death has sent shockwaves through much Kamloops and especially the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community.

Saturday’s vigil is being organized by people who “knew and loved Zafar,” in collaboration with local community advocacy organizations like the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre (KSAAC). It is set to begin at 6:30 p.m., and it will feature speeches from people who knew Zafar personally.

“It will be a space for collective mourning, remembrance, and solidarity,” a news release from KSAAC said. “Community members will gather to honour Ash’s life, to hold his loved ones in care, and to call attention to the impacts of violence on individuals, families and communities.”

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“Whether you knew Ash or not, the public is invited to come and honour his life and memory and stand in solidarity with those who loved him. The vigil is intended to be a respectful, peaceful gathering centered on remembrance and community care.”

There will be crisis support workers on hand throughout the vigil for people who may need additional emotional support. Organizers say information on options for reporting tips to police will also be available.

More information about the vigil can be found on Facebook here.