Tributes Flow for 'Gentle Giant' from Surrey After Fatal Toronto Assault
The family and friends of a Surrey man are mourning a devastating loss after he died from injuries sustained in an alleged assault in Toronto, Canada. Luke Kellett-Smith, 34, originally from Woking, Surrey, passed away in hospital on New Year's Eve after being placed on life support.
Details of the Downtown Toronto Incident
The tragic sequence of events began on December 28 in downtown Toronto. According to police reports, Kellett-Smith was involved in a heated argument which escalated into a violent physical confrontation. It is alleged that 30-year-old Benard Emeka Oneh struck Kellett-Smith, knocking him to the ground.
After managing to get back up, Luke was allegedly struck again by Oneh, a blow that rendered him unconscious. Toronto Police state that Oneh then fled the scene. Emergency services transported Kellett-Smith to hospital, where he was placed on life support before succumbing to his injuries three days later.
Benard Emeka Oneh has since been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death. Luke Kellett-Smith had been living in Toronto since 2019, building a new life in Canada.
A Life Remembered: 'A Heart as Big as His Presence'
In the wake of the tragedy, an outpouring of grief and fond remembrance has highlighted the profound impact Luke had on those around him. Described as a "gentle giant," he stood at 6'5" but was known for his kind and warm nature.
Close friend Jack Elton paid a moving tribute, stating: "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."
A former coworker shared: "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 this utterly devastating time." Another friend, who moved to Canada around the same time in 2019, called him "a top lad with a heart of gold."
Family's Agony and Fundraiser to Bring Luke Home
Luke's family now faces the heartbreaking task of bringing his body home to Surrey. A GoFundMe page has been established to raise £30,000 to cover the costs of repatriation and funeral expenses. The campaign has resonated deeply, with more than £28,000 donated so far.
The fundraiser reveals further layers of tragedy for the Kellett-Smith family. Luke was the eldest of three brothers. His parents, Nick and Mariella Smith, have now endured the loss of two of their three sons. The family hopes to lay Luke to rest in Woking, next to his brother James.
"No parent should ever have to endure such heartbreak, let alone twice," the fundraising page reads. "Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and help ease the immense financial strain during a time of profound loss."
Support has also come from the football community. Luke's brother, Matt, plays for Horndean FC, which issued a statement saying: "As a club, we send our love to the family, friends and loved ones of Luke."
The case continues with the Canadian judicial process, as his loved ones in the UK and abroad grapple with the sudden loss of a man remembered for truly loving life and living it to the fullest.
