'Gentle giant' British expat, 34, is 'beaten to death' in Canada after heated row: Friends launch fundraiser to fly his body back to UK for his grieving parents who have now lost two of their three sons
Luke Kellett-Smith, 34, originally from Surrey, was out in the early hours of December 28 when he became involved in a confrontation with another man in downtown Toronto.
Tributes have poured in for a British expat described as a 'gentle giant' who was allegedly beaten to death on a street following a heated argument.
Luke Kellett-Smith, 34, originally from Woking, Surrey, was out in the early hours of December 28 when he became involved in a confrontation with another man in downtown Toronto.
Police say the altercation unfolded near the junction of Front Street West and University Avenue.
During the row, Luke was allegedly assaulted by Benard Emeka Oneh, 30, who is accused of striking him to the ground with an initial blow.
According to the Toronto Police Service, when Luke managed to get back to his feet, he was allegedly assaulted again, causing him to lose consciousness.
Oneh, who lives in the Richmond Hill area, is alleged to have fled the scene while Luke was rushed to hospital, where he was placed on life support. He later died on New Year's Eve.
The 30-year-old suspect was initially charged with aggravated assault before the charge was upgraded to manslaughter. He appeared in court on January 5. Police have said it is not known whether the two men knew each other.
Luke had been living in Toronto since 2019, where friends say he built a life 'full of adventure, friendship and possibility'.
Luke Kellett-Smith, 34, originally from Woking, Surrey, was out in the early hours of December 28 when he became involved in a confrontation with another man in downtown Toronto
Luke has been remembered as a 'cherished son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend'
His close friend Jack Elton said Luke made an impact on everyone he met.
'Luke truly loved life and lived it to the fullest, making friends and connections everywhere he went,' he said.
'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 has been remembered as a 'cherished son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend'.
He was the eldest of three brothers, and his death has compounded an already devastating family loss. His parents, Nick and Mariella Smith, have now lost two of their three sons.
A GoFundMe page set up by Jack to repatriate Luke's body to the UK says: 'It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we share the devastating loss of our beloved Luke Daniel Kellett-Smith – a cherished son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend.
'At 34 years old, Luke had been living in Toronto since 2019, building a life full of adventure, friendship, and possibility. Luke truly loved life and lived it to the fullest, making friends and connections everywhere he went. Whether you knew him for five minutes or for 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.