Vancouver South Asian wedding industry mourns popular young DJ
The Metro Vancouver wedding vendor community is mourning the loss of a popular local DJ, who was apparently the victim of a recent shooting in Delta.
Delta Police identified the victim of the January 20 shooting as 29-year-old Gurvinder Uppal. A young man who goes by Gurvindar Uppal also DJs under the stage name DJ Upptown. He includes both names in a Facebook profile.
According to police, the shooting occurred at a residence on the block of 112B Street on Monday. Police said Uppal died of his injuries in hospital.
Information about a candlelight vigil for Uppal is also being shared by his friends and family online, further linking the names of the victim and the young DJ.
The local South Asian wedding industry is paying tribute to the popular DJ, who is being remembered for his compassion, positivity, and love of music. He worked with Decibel Entertainment, a well-known event company in the Lower Mainland, that often provides music services at Indian wedding receptions.
BC-based Punjabi arts and culture organization 5X Fest posted a lengthy caption about Uppal on Instagram.
“Gurvinder’s strong love for music started at a young age and excelled through his journey as a DJ. His compassion was like no other, showing up for his loved ones, spreading joy and positivity,” stated the organization.
The post has been flooded with comments, as people who knew and worked with Uppal shared their condolences.
View this post on Instagram
“We are saddened to hear about the passing of DJ Upptown. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, community and the entire [Decibel] team during this difficult time,” local DJ company Aftershock Roadshow wrote in a social media post on Wednesday.
View this post on Instagram
Others in the industry also paid their respects on Instagram.
“Our team is shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the passing of [DJ Upptown]. An incredible talent and a great person who will be missed dearly,” wrote photography company Vissare Media Group on Instagram.
Vissare Media Group/Instagram
“We are shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of DJ [Upptown]. Our sincere condolences to the Decibel Team, his family, and friends,” stated Abby Wedding Decor and Flowers.
Bridal makeup artist Belle Femme Studio also shared a few words about Uppal, referring to him as a “shining star” of the local wedding industry.
“Your radiant smile illuminated every corner, spreading joy wherever you went. You were a beacon of light to all of us,” the studio wrote.
Belle Femme Studio/Instagram
Decibel Entertainment shared a post to its Instagram story on Wednesday.
“Forever our brother, our family. We love you and miss you so much,” the company wrote, alongside a photo of Uppal.
Daily Hive reached out to Decibel Entertainment but they declined to give further comment at this time.
Decibel/ Instagram
Delta Police Department (DPD) has also shared more details of the shooting in its news release.
“A white Ford pickup truck left the scene following the shooting and was located a short time later, on fire in the 7300 block of Blake Drive, Delta,” said police.
The DPD’s Major Crime Section is now investigating the shooting as a homicide, adding that the shooting was a “targeted attack.”
“The DPD extend condolences to the family for their loss,” said the department.
The police department is asking anyone with information or video to contact investigators at 604-940-7321 or tips@deltapolice.ca. Those who wish to remain anonymous can reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Daily Hive reached out to DPD for further comment but the department was unable to share or corroborate further information about the ongoing investigation.