CALGARY, AB — A deep sense of shock and sorrow hangs over the city of Calgary following the tragic death of 16-year-old Carter Spivak-Villeneuve, who was identified as the victim in an ongoing homicide investigation. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) confirmed the young man’s identity on Saturday, just a day after he was discovered dead in the northeast community of Abbeydale.
At approximately 1:20 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, police were dispatched to the 300 block of Abergale Drive N.E. after receiving a report of a person in medical distress. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Carter’s body. Despite the efforts of first responders, the teen was pronounced dead at the location. An autopsy performed later that day by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed what many had feared: Carter’s death was a result of foul play. It was officially ruled a homicide.
The devastating news has left family, friends, and the broader community heartbroken and searching for answers. Carter Spivak-Villeneuve, described as a bright, curious, and kind-hearted teen, had his entire future ahead of him—a future that was violently taken away in the early hours of the morning.
“This is a deeply troubling case given the victim’s young age,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Clark Budd of the Calgary Police Homicide Unit in a press statement. “A young life has been taken far too soon, and we are doing everything in our power to find out what happened and bring those responsible to justice.”
As investigators work tirelessly to trace Carter’s final hours, the Calgary Police are issuing a direct appeal to the public. Officers are asking anyone who may have seen Carter or had contact with him prior to his death to come forward. Authorities are especially urging residents and business owners in the 300 block of Abergale Drive N.E. to review any available surveillance footage between 12:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday morning—critical moments that may hold key clues in the case.
“We know someone out there knows something,” Sgt. Budd added. “Even the smallest piece of information could be vital in helping us understand how and why this happened. We are counting on the public’s cooperation.”
Carter’s sudden and violent death has sparked an outpouring of grief from classmates, neighbors, and loved ones. Messages of sorrow and remembrance have begun flooding social media, where friends describe him as gentle, artistic, and always willing to lend a hand. Community members have begun organizing vigils and memorials, determined to honor Carter’s memory and to advocate for justice in his name.
“He was just a kid,” one family friend shared. “He should have been hanging out with his friends, dreaming about the future—not being taken from us like this. No one deserves what happened to him.”
While CPS has not released details about the potential motive or suspects in the case, they continue to follow up on leads and have emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Patrols have also been increased in the Abbeydale area to provide reassurance to residents and encourage community cooperation.
As Calgary reels from this heartbreaking loss, one truth stands clear: a community is mourning not just the death of a teenager, but the loss of possibility, of promise, and of peace. The city stands united in grief, urging anyone with information to come forward so that Carter’s family may one day find answers and closure.
As the investigation unfolds, Calgary remembers Carter Spivak-Villeneuve not for the tragic way he died, but for the vibrant, compassionate young life he lived—and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.