Friends say goodbye to man killed in Muskoka crash

TORONTO - Friends and family bid farewell to a brother, son and friend Sunday as more than 1,000 mourners packed a Toronto funeral home to say goodbye to Cory Mintz, described by his father as "perfect."

Alan Mintz gave a stirring eulogy that mixed both sadness and laughter as he stood beside his son's coffin.

"He had everything going for him," said Mintz, as family and friends packed the chapel.

"We love you and miss you Cory, forever," said the father before touching his son's casket as many mourners sobbed quietly.

The 20-year-old Mintz died along with Tyler Mulcahy, 20, and Kourosh Totonchian, 19, all of Toronto, when the car they were driving crashed through a guardrail and plunged into the Joseph River near Port Carling, Ont. in Muskoka on Thursday evening.

Nastasia Elzinga, 19, survived the crash with only minor injuries.

Mintz said he spoke to his son the afternoon of the day he died, and told the crowd as always, Cory made him smile.

"He was a perfect son," said Mintz.

He also described his son's love for sports, including basketball and hockey, as well as his passion for acting.

Rabbi Michael Dolgin told the crowd that Cory Mintz made the most out of his 20 years and said it was up to those who loved him to keep his memory alive "not for weeks or months or years, but generations."

Outside the chapel, most were too distraught to speak, but family friend Lawrence Pascal said he remembered Cory Mintz fondly from his days playing hockey with his son.

The funeral home's online condolence book was filled with thoughts and memories.

"Cory was one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He always knew how to put a smile on my face even when no one else could. We share many amazing memories which I will hold onto forever," wrote Molly Chudnovsky.

Friend and former hockey teammate David Cohen added a personal note on the message board to "Mintzy."

"Keep your stick on the ice up there buddy, because one day we will be back on the blue-line together and I will feed you those one timers you loved," he wrote.

Provincial police have said they are not ruling out alcohol or speed as a factor in the crash.

Before Thursday's accident, the four friends ate a late lunch at a restaurant near the crash scene. The owner has confirmed drinks were consumed with the meal.

A few hours later, residents were startled as the Audi that the four were riding in careened off the road, down an embankment and into the water.

Passers by rushed to help, but only Elzinga, who was reportedly wearing her seatbelt, survived.

Toxicology test results have yet to be released.

A funeral for Totonchian was held Sunday morning.