Winnipeg police are looking for at least three suspects in the beating death of Cyril Quentin Weenusk in the city's downtown early Tuesday morning.

Police say Weenusk, 26, was found injured near Portage Avenue and Donald Street around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

"At this early stage in the investigation, it appears that the victim had an altercation with a group of people in the area of Portage Avenue and Donald. The altercation turned violent and proved fatal," Const. Rob Carver told reporters late Wednesday afternoon.

No arrests have been made to date. Carver said investigators are looking for "three or more suspects."

It doesn't appear Weenusk knew his attackers, he said.

"It looks like a chance encounter, a chance meeting on the street," Carver said, but added that Winnipeggers should not fear for their safety downtown.

Winnipeg police are looking for at least three suspects in the beating death of Cyril Quentin Weenusk in the city's downtown early Tuesday morning. Police say Weenusk, 26, was found injured near Portage Avenue and Donald Street around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital. 1:54

"This is a tragic and very violent event," he said.

"It isn't the sort of incident that would necessarily alter the average person's perception of safety in this city or in the downtown area."

'He's a good guy,' says aunt

Family members told CBC News that Weenusk, a father of four from Oxford House, Man., was in Winnipeg to escort his father to some medical appointments.

Rhonda Wass, one of Weenusk's aunts, said they became concerned when he didn't come back to the downtown hotel where he and his father were staying.

"He came here to be with his dad, to help him out, and he hasn't returned yet. And he's not the kind of a guy to be out there this long," Wass said at an event honouring missing and slain northern Manitobans earlier Wednesday.

"The father's still waiting out the window for his son. That's his baby. It's really sad … he's a good guy."

Wass spoke to CBC News before the identity of the homicide victim was confirmed by police. She said when the family saw photos of clothing at the scene, they feared it was his.

A vigil for Weenusk was held outside the MTS Centre at 7 p.m.

Weenusk had four young children, his cousin Rick Wass said at the vigil.

"It hurts," Wass said. "He will surely be missed."