Tributes pour in for ‘gentle giant’ Surrey man ‘beaten to death’ in Toronto
A man from Surrey is dead after a ‘heated argument’ spiralled into a brutal assault in Canada.
Expat Luke Kellett-Smith, 34, originally from Woking, Surrey, was in the midst of an argument on December 28 in downtown Toronto when he was allegedly struck to the ground by 30-year-old Benard Emeka Oneh.
After getting back up again, Luke was allegedly struck again, knocking him unconscious. Toronto Police say Oneh then fled from the scene.
Luke was taken to the hospital and placed on life support before dying from his injuries on New Year’s Eve.
Oneh has since been charged with manslaughter after the death of Luke, who had lived in Toronto since 2019.
He’s been remembered as ‘truly loving life’ and living it to the fullest, with close friend Jack Elton adding: ‘Whether you knew him for five minutes or for five years, Luke left a lasting impression.
‘Standing at 6’5′, Luke was a gentle giant in every sense. Kind, warm, and full of life, he had a heart as big as his presence.’
Luke’s family and friends are raising money to repatriate Luke’s body back home to be buried.
The GoFundMe page reads: ‘Luke was the eldest of three brothers. His parents are now facing the unimaginable pain of having lost two of their three sons.
‘No parent should ever have to endure such heartbreak, let alone twice.’
Luke’s parents, Nick and Mariella Smith, are hoping to bury him next to his brother James in Woking.
‘Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and help ease the immense financial strain during a time of profound loss,’ the fundraiser added.
Luke’s brother, Matt, plays for Horndean FC, who issued a statement: ‘As a club, we send our love to the family, friends and loved ones of Luke.’
More than £28,000 has been raised so far to bring Luke home, nearly reaching the goal of £30,000.
Tributes have poured in for the much-loved Brit, with a former coworker writing: ‘I worked with Luke, and he was a genuinely lovely lad. I am so sad to hear this awful news.
‘My thoughts and love go to his family at the utterly devastating time.’
Another friend added: ‘A top lad with a heart of gold, I met Luke when we both made the move to Canada back in 2019. Good times, endless experiences and memories I’ll cherish forever.’
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