Manitoba man slain in Toronto remembered as 'awesome' and 'the best'

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A Manitoba farm business has paid condolences to its founder after he died following an assault in downtown Toronto last month.

Brett Sheffield, 38, from Manitoba, died of his injuries on Aug. 30.

“His absence is felt deeply across the community, our company, and his vast network of friends and colleagues,” Nextgen Drainage Solutions said on its Facebook page.

“Brett’s passion for helping every person feel valued and cared for will continue to motivate us. We are finding comfort in our shared commitment to ensuring Brett’s legacy thrives. We appreciate your concern and patience as we support Brett’s family.”

Craig Gibson, 28, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder after officers responded on Aug. 28 at about 11:25 p.m. to an assault call in the Portland St. and King St. W. area.

Cops arrived to find Sheffield suffering from life-threatening injuries and he was taken to hospital where he died two days later.

The U.K.’s Daily Mail reports that Gibson was a British Corporal in Canada on military exercise who now stands accused of attacking Sheffield after a late-night bar brawl.

Documents seen by Britain’s The Sun allege Gibson struck Sheffield once “with an elbow to the upper jaw which ultimately caused the victim to be rendered unconscious,” and he was declared brain dead.

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The Sun says Gibson, from Dalry, North Ayrshire, served in Iraq, and had been drinking with someone from 4 Scots, the Highlanders, when the brawl erupted in a bar called Locals Only.

Gibson was initially arrested for aggravated assault following the incident. It was upgraded to second degree murder following Sheffield’s death.

According to his LinkedIn page, Sheffield founded Nextgen Drainage Solutions in 2011 and graduated from Ohio State University in 2014.

“He was such an awesome kid, always treating me and everyone around him with the outmost respect. He surely will be missed,” a friend wrote in a Facebook tribute to Sheffield.

Another friend shared: “One of the best guys I have ever known. He will be deeply missed by so many people. Still can’t believe that it’s actually true. Still waiting for that daily text to come through from you. Gonna miss you so much! Love you Brett!”