As the anniversary of a Sunshine Coast man’s shooting death approaches, charges have yet to be laid in the killing, and police are appealing to witnesses to step forward with information.
Gregory Sullivan, 56, a father to two young girls, outside a residence on Birch Way in Halfmoon Bay, in the early morning of June 22, 2023.
Originally from Halifax, N.S., Sullivan was from a big family. “At a young age we could all see his sunny personality and zest for life,” . “Greg was an enthusiastic athlete who played competitive volleyball with a wonderful group of friends, and loved sailing during his teen years.
“As an adult Greg loved mountain sports such as skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and snowmobiling,” his obituary goes on. “Greg was a self-taught and talented artist and painted many oil paintings, and was a lively conversationalist who could entertain all with his wit and sense of humour.”
Sullivan moved out west in the late 1990s and later started a family. He had two daughters who he taught how to swim and play volleyball from a young age, said the obituary.
“The latter part of Greg’s life was overshadowed by physical injuries and other personal struggles which, sadly, he was powerless to overcome,” said the obituary. “He will be missed by many.”
At the time of the shooting, two suspects were identified at the scene and taken into custody.
IHIT media relations officer Sgt. Freda Fong said that the people who were arrested at the time of the incident were released without charges. "Unfortunately, we need more information before we can proceed with charges," she said.
In the years since Sullivan’s death, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has collected and followed evidence to piece together the details of that night, . Now, they’re asking anyone with knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Sullivan’s death to come forward.
IHIT knows of several people who have knowledge of what happened that night but who are not cooperating with police, said the release. “We are asking those people to provide a statement to police and to assist in advancing the investigation.”
IHIT asks for the chance to address concerns witnesses may have with coming forward. “Give us a chance to bring some closure to Greg’s family,” says the release.
Sullivan’s family released a statement as part of the press release:
"Greg lived on the Sunshine Coast in B.C. He is greatly missed by his four brothers and sister, and other members of the extended Sullivan family in Nova Scotia and Ontario.
"Most of all, he is missed by his young daughters, Paula and Sophie, and their mother, Lisa, who have had to endure losing Greg at such a young age and in such a tragic way.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line (1-877-551-4448) or email [email protected].
