Holly Roy and her family have faced significant challenges since the tragic loss of her eight-year-old son due to a stray bullet last August. Reflecting on the ordeal, Holly expressed the profound impact on her and her two other children, highlighting the difficulty in coping and providing care for her family.
The incident occurred on August 16, 2025, while Holly and her son, Jahvai Roy, were in their North York apartment. Gunshots outside their residence pierced the night, causing Jahvai to be struck by a stray bullet as he sat up in bed. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Jahvai tragically passed away.
Subsequently, authorities charged three youths with first-degree murder in connection with the incident. In the following year, Holly has been dedicated to commemorating her son’s life and actively advocating against gun violence.
As a member of the Anishinaabe, Ojibwe First Nation, Holly recently visited Manitoulin Island to observe the one-year anniversary of her son’s passing, marking her first visit to his gravesite since his burial. During a recent interview on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning, she shared her emotional journey of coming to terms with the finality of Jahvai’s death after months of attempting to cope and move forward.
Holly expressed a profound sense of loss, not only for her son but also for a part of her identity that she feels has been affected by the tragedy. The community rallied together in the aftermath of Jahvai’s death, advocating for more significant action against gun violence, a cause Holly has championed since her oldest son survived a shooting in 2019.
Recognizing the lack of support for victims directly impacted by gun violence, Holly made it her mission to find resources to help her son navigate the trauma he experienced. Following her eldest son’s incident, Holly connected with grassroots organizations and anti-gun violence movements such as the One by One Movement and the Zero Gun Violence Movement through social media.
Holly fondly remembers Jahvai’s empathy and desire to assist others, which serves as a driving force for her continued advocacy work. She emphasized Jahvai’s compassion towards his brother, who struggled with trauma, showcasing a deep sense of care and understanding within their family.
In her ongoing efforts, Holly aims to spread love and positivity while carrying the memory of her beloved son with her every step of the way.
