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Student Attacked During Festival Night
8 Oct
Summary
- A Niagara College student was assaulted on Sept. 26, 2026.
- The student sustained a concussion, damaged cornea, and fractured eye bones.
- An online fundraiser has gathered over $30,000 for his recovery.
A festive evening in St. Catharines took a devastating turn for Carson MacDonald, a 25-year-old Niagara College student. On Sept. 26, 2026, during a local festival, MacDonald was assaulted by two individuals. He was found with a concussion, a damaged cornea, and fractured bones around his eye, according to his mother, nurse Lisa McCoy.
McCoy described her son as outgoing but unable to recall the assault due to his injuries. Police confirmed a verbal interaction escalated into a physical altercation. While a homophobic slur was heard in video footage of the attack, investigators have stated there is currently no evidence to suggest the assault was hate-motivated.
Two suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. A family friend initiated an online fundraiser to assist with MacDonald's medical and living expenses, which has surpassed $30,000. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, with local organizations emphasizing the need for safer spaces.
