The University of Waterloo community, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the city of Hamilton are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Rayan (Ryan) Harb, who passed away following a devastating three-vehicle collision on the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway on Wednesday evening, July 8, 2026. He was 24 years old.
Rayan was an exceptionally bright, ambitious first-year Management Engineering student, an active firmware developer and business specialist, a dedicated Naval Reservist, and a beloved youth mentor whose impact spanned across the Greater Toronto Area and Waterloo region.
| Parameter | Official Academic, Military, and Civic Record |
| Full Name | Rayan (Ryan) Harb (He/Him) |
| Age / Date of Passing | 24 years old | Wednesday, July 8, 2026 |
| Academic Focus | Management Engineering (B.A.Sc.), University of Waterloo |
| Military Service | Marine Technician, Royal Canadian Navy / Canadian Armed Forces |
| Engineering Teams | Business Development Specialist, UW Formula Electric Team |
| Community Leadership | Children’s Program & Youth Coordinator, YMCA of Three Rivers |
| Foundational Advocacy | Founder & President, Diversity Club (Laurel Heights Secondary) |
A Visionary Student and Technical Leader
Rayan was a remarkable talent within the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering. Enrolled in the rigorous Management Engineering Bachelor of Applied Science program, he passionately pursued the intersection of technology, data science, and process optimization.
His brilliant analytical mind and team-first attitude quickly made him an invaluable asset to competitive campus teams. He brought his diverse skill sets to the University of Waterloo Formula Electric Team, where he operated as a Business Development Specialist, driving corporate sponsorship outreach, establishing partner relations, and anchoring the team’s long-term financial strategy to secure resources for global competition readiness. His comprehensive technical toolkit spanned data visualization (Tableau, Power BI), advanced programming in Python and C, and digital product design.
Devoted Service to the Canadian Armed Forces
Beyond the classroom, Rayan was a proud and disciplined member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving with distinction for two years and seven months as a Marine Technician within the Naval Reserve based in Hamilton.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail and mechanical aptitude, Rayan handled technical diagnostics, inventory logistics, and complex system repairs on marine equipment. His outstanding performance led to specialized full-time operational contracts in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he served aboard naval vessels conducting critical engineering watchkeeping, pipeline monitoring, and preventative maintenance. He was actively completing his advanced full-time Roundsperson qualification training this summer.
An Unwavering Legacy of Youth Mentorship and Inclusion
Rayan’s brilliant technical mind was perfectly balanced by an incredibly warm heart and an absolute commitment to social good. Throughout his youth, he worked tirelessly to build safer, more inclusive spaces for the next generation:
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YMCA of Three Rivers: For nearly four years, Rayan served as a Children’s Program Coordinator and Youth Coordinator in Waterloo, designing athletic tournaments, providing mentorship, and actively safeguarding the mental health and well-being of young people and local families.
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Waterloo Regional Police Service: In the summer of 2023, he served as a Youth Leadership Intern, collaborating directly with law enforcement and community organizers to host large-scale safety, outreach, and youth inclusion workshops.
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Laurel Heights Secondary School: As a straight-A Honour Roll student, Rayan left an indelible mark on his high school by founding and serving as President of the campus Diversity Club, pioneering events that celebrated cultural awareness and unity.
Hamilton Police are continuing to investigate the tragic circumstances surrounding the multi-vehicle accident on the Lincoln Alexander Parkway. Rayan’s sudden departure leaves a profound void across the Canadian military, the tech community, and the thousands of young lives he spent his brief but extraordinary life uplifting. Memorial arrangements and university-led tributes will be coordinated by his family and peers in the coming days.