The Calgary community is reeling following the tragic and deeply unsettling death of 30-year-old William Harvey-Chenel, whose body was discovered in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025, in a quiet residential building in the heart of the city’s downtown. The Calgary Police Service’s Homicide Unit has launched an active investigation, and with few details yet publicly released, heartbreak, fear, and concern ripple across the city.
Remembering William Harvey-Chenel
While authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death, friends and family are already mourning the devastating loss of a young man remembered as warm-hearted, intelligent, and deeply thoughtful. William was more than just a name in a police report—he was a son, a friend, and a member of a community that now feels incomplete without him.
Those close to William describe him as someone who moved through life with quiet determination. He was known for his compassion, his sharp wit, and his desire to help others whenever he could. Whether sharing a laugh with friends or lending a hand during hard times, William left a meaningful impression on everyone he met.
Born and raised in Alberta, William pursued his own path, never one to follow the crowd. He had a passion for music, a curiosity about the world, and a circle of loved ones who valued his presence deeply. His death has left a void that no investigation can fill, but that truth only deepens the collective call for justice.
The Scene: 600 Block of 10 Street S.W.
According to the Calgary Police Service, officers responded to a call in the 600 block of 10 Street S.W. in the west end of downtown Calgary just after 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19. Upon entering the residence, officers discovered the body of William Harvey-Chenel. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police have not disclosed the nature of his injuries but confirmed that the circumstances strongly suggest foul play. The residence where his body was found is in a residential corridor that includes high-rise apartments and is generally known to be a quiet, walkable area.
The police quickly secured the scene, erected yellow tape around the building’s entrance, and began canvassing for witnesses. Investigators were seen going door-to-door, speaking with residents in the building and nearby businesses to gather surveillance footage or other information that might assist in reconstructing the moments leading up to William’s death.
Homicide Unit Leads the Investigation
The Homicide Unit of the Calgary Police Service is now leading the investigation. Detectives believe the incident was targeted, though they have not publicly identified any suspects or persons of interest.
In a brief statement to the media, a CPS spokesperson shared:
“This is a very active investigation. At this stage, we believe this was not a random attack. We are working diligently to uncover the circumstances and are urging anyone with information to come forward.”
Forensic teams remained at the residence throughout the day on Saturday, collecting evidence and analyzing the scene. The coroner has also been brought in to determine the exact cause and time of death through autopsy results, which may shed further light on the crime.
Public Asked for Help
Authorities have made a public appeal for information, encouraging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area between midnight and 3:00 a.m. on July 19, or who had contact with William in the days leading up to his death, to contact the Calgary Police Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Police have also asked residents and businesses in the area to check doorbell cameras, surveillance systems, and dashcams in the hopes of identifying movement in or around the building during the early hours of Saturday morning.
Community Reaction
The tragic loss has shaken the local community and reignited ongoing concerns about violence in the downtown area. While Calgary remains one of Canada’s safest major cities, incidents like this remind residents of the fragility of life and the importance of communal vigilance.
Many neighbors expressed shock at the heavy police presence in what is typically a quiet part of downtown. Some described seeing police arrive in the early morning hours, while others only learned of the tragedy when they saw the crime scene tape.
A friend of William’s, speaking anonymously out of respect for his grieving family, said:
“William wasn’t someone who looked for trouble. He was kind and kept to himself mostly. He didn’t deserve this, and we just want to know what happened. Someone out there knows something, and we hope they’ll come forward.”
A Plea for Justice
The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made as of this writing. William Harvey-Chenel’s death is a sobering reminder of how quickly a life can be taken, and how desperately we rely on truth and justice in the face of grief.
As family members prepare for the painful task of planning a memorial, they also await answers—answers that they hope will bring a measure of peace and accountability. For now, a city mourns with them.
If you have any information that could aid in this case, no matter how small, you’re encouraged to reach out to Calgary Police.
Rest in peace, William.
You will not be forgotten. Justice will be sought.
And your memory will live on through those who knew and loved you.
Leave a Reply