

Chris Fox and Sandie Benitah, CP24.com





A three-year-old child has died after falling from a window at a high-rise apartment building in the city’s west end, Toronto police confirmed.

It happened at a highrise building on Hickory Tree Road in the Weston Rd. and Lawrence Ave. area at around 2 p.m. He was rushed to hospital without vital signs but died in hospital later in the afternoon, police said.

Paramedics told CP24 the child fell from an “extreme height," believed to be about the 17th floor.

The building does not have balconies. One neighbour said the windows in the building don't open except for a small portion that has a screen.

"They must have removed the screen because otherwise, there's no other way you can get out," he said. "It's pretty shocking that this could happen."

Another neighbour said he was playing soccer outside when he heard a scream.

"We ran over to the building. We saw the (police tape) and the boy over there," Jamal Mohamoud said. "We were shocked."

The child has been identified by family friends as Wallace Passos.

Anna DaSilva, a family friend, said the Passos have lived in the building for years and described the boy as "wonderful."

"He is a wonderful boy, energetic and just a wonderful kid," she said.

Police remain on the scene but in a news release asked the public for help with any information they may related to the incident. Investigators can be reached at 416-384-1200.