Tributes are flooding in for a British expat described as a 'gentle giant' who died after an alleged street assault in Toronto, Canada.
A Fatal Confrontation in Downtown Toronto
Luke Daniel Kellett-Smith, aged 34 and originally from Woking, Surrey, was involved in a confrontation in the early hours of Thursday, 28 December. The incident occurred near the junction of Front Street West and University Avenue in downtown Toronto.
According to the Toronto Police Service, during the altercation, Luke was allegedly assaulted by 30-year-old Benard Emeka Oneh. Police state that Oneh is accused of striking Luke to the ground with an initial blow.
When Luke managed to get back to his feet, he was allegedly assaulted a second time, an attack which caused him to lose consciousness. The suspect, who lives in the Richmond Hill area, is alleged to have fled the scene.
A Life Support Tragedy and Legal Charges
Luke Kellett-Smith was rushed to hospital and placed on life support. He tragically died from his injuries on New Year's Eve, 31 December.
Benard Emeka Oneh was initially charged with aggravated assault. Following Luke's death, the charge was upgraded to manslaughter. The 30-year-old suspect appeared in court on 5 January. Police have said it is not known whether the two men knew each other prior to the incident.
Remembering a 'Gentle Giant' with a Heart of Gold
Luke had been building a new life in Toronto since 2019. Friends say he created an existence 'full of adventure, friendship and possibility'.
His close friend, Jack Elton, said Luke made an indelible impact on everyone he met. 'Luke truly loved life and lived it to the fullest, making friends and connections everywhere he went,' Jack stated. 'Whether you knew him for five minutes or for five years, Luke left a lasting impression.'
Standing at an imposing 6'5", Luke was remembered as a 'gentle giant in every sense' – kind, warm, and full of life.
The loss is compounded for his grieving family. Luke is remembered as a cherished son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend. He was the eldest of three brothers. His parents, Nick and Mariella Smith, have now suffered the devastating loss of two of their three sons.
Community Support and Football Tributes
A GoFundMe page, organised by Jack Elton, has been set up to support Luke's family. The fundraiser aims to cover the costs of repatriating his body to the UK, funeral expenses, and supporting the family in their grief.
'Our goal is to help Luke's parents bring him home to Woking, where he can finally be laid to rest beside his brother James, surrounded by family and love,' the page explains.
Tributes have also come from the football community. Horndean FC paid respects after confirming that Luke's brother, Matt, plays for the club. 'As a club, we send our love to the family, friends and loved ones of Luke,' they said.
Jack Elton's final tribute captures the sentiment of all who knew Luke: 'Luke will be forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.'
