The University of Waterloo community, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and residents of Hamilton are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Rayan (Ryan) Harb, who died following a tragic three-vehicle collision on the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. He was 24 years old.
Rayan was widely admired for his dedication to engineering, military service, and community leadership. Whether in the classroom, serving his country, or mentoring young people, he consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and helping others. His sudden passing has left an immeasurable void among his family, friends, classmates, fellow service members, and everyone whose lives he touched.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rayan (Ryan) Harb |
| Age | 24 |
| Date of Passing | Wednesday, July 8, 2026 |
| Academic Program | Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Management Engineering, University of Waterloo |
| Military Service | Marine Technician, Royal Canadian Navy – Canadian Armed Forces Naval Reserve |
| University Leadership | Business Development Specialist, University of Waterloo Formula Electric Team |
| Community Service | Children’s Program and Youth Coordinator, YMCA of Three Rivers |
| Student Leadership | Founder and President, Diversity Club, Laurel Heights Secondary School |
A Promising Future in Engineering and Innovation
As a first-year Management Engineering student at the University of Waterloo, Rayan quickly earned the respect of classmates and faculty through his intelligence, determination, and collaborative approach to solving complex challenges.
His academic interests centered on technology, engineering systems, data analytics, and process optimization. Beyond the classroom, he became an active contributor to the University of Waterloo Formula Electric Team, where he served as a Business Development Specialist. In that role, he helped cultivate corporate partnerships, secure sponsorships, and support the team’s long-term financial planning as it prepared for international engineering competitions.
Rayan also possessed an impressive technical skill set that included programming in Python and C, data visualization using Tableau and Power BI, and experience in digital product development—skills that reflected both his curiosity and his drive to innovate.
Proud Service in the Canadian Armed Forces
Alongside his university studies, Rayan proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Marine Technician with the Canadian Armed Forces Naval Reserve in Hamilton.
During more than two years of military service, he was entrusted with maintaining and repairing complex marine systems, managing technical equipment, and supporting operational readiness. His professionalism and strong work ethic earned him opportunities to serve on specialized full-time operational assignments in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he participated in engineering watchkeeping, preventive maintenance, and shipboard mechanical operations.
At the time of his passing, Rayan was completing advanced Roundsperson qualification training, continuing his commitment to both technical excellence and military service.
A Passion for Mentoring and Community Leadership
While Rayan excelled academically and professionally, those who knew him best say his greatest strength was his dedication to serving others.
For nearly four years, he worked with the YMCA of Three Rivers as a Children’s Program and Youth Coordinator, organizing recreational activities, mentoring young people, and creating welcoming environments where children could grow with confidence and support.
In the summer of 2023, he also served as a Youth Leadership Intern with the Waterloo Regional Police Service, helping coordinate community outreach initiatives and youth engagement programs designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and local families.
Even before university, Rayan demonstrated exceptional leadership. While attending Laurel Heights Secondary School, he founded and served as president of the school’s Diversity Club, organizing programs that promoted cultural understanding, inclusion, and respect among students from diverse backgrounds.
Remembering a Life of Service
Friends, classmates, military colleagues, and community members remember Rayan as someone who combined remarkable intelligence with humility, compassion, and an unwavering willingness to help others succeed.
His ability to balance rigorous engineering studies, military responsibilities, volunteer work, and youth mentorship reflected a maturity and sense of purpose well beyond his years. Whether he was mentoring children, collaborating on engineering projects, or serving alongside fellow reservists, he approached every opportunity with dedication, kindness, and optimism.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the three-vehicle collision on Hamilton’s Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway that claimed Rayan’s life.
As the investigation progresses, family, friends, the University of Waterloo community, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces continue to honor his memory and celebrate a life marked by leadership, service, and an enduring commitment to making a positive difference.
Memorial service arrangements and university tributes are expected to be announced by Rayan’s family and the institutions he proudly served in the coming days.