‘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

Praise has poured in for a British expat described as a ‘gentle giant’ who was allegedly beaten to death in the street following a heated argument.

Luke Kellett-Smith, 34, originally from Woking, Surrey, was out in downtown Toronto in the early hours of December 28 when he was involved in a shootout with another man.

Police said the fight happened at the intersection of Front Street West and University Avenue.

During the altercation, Luke was allegedly attacked by 30-year-old Benard Emeka Oneh, who is accused of knocking him to the ground with the first blow.

When Luke managed to stand up, he was allegedly attacked again, causing him to lose consciousness, according to the Toronto Police Service.

It is claimed that Oneh, who lives in the Richmond Hill area, fled the scene, and Luke was urgently taken to the hospital where he was connected to life support. He later died on New Year’s Eve.

While the 30-year-old suspect was first tried for aggravated assault, the charge was later changed to involuntary manslaughter. He appeared in court on January 5. Police said it was not known whether the two men knew each other.

Luke had lived in Toronto since 2019, and friends said he had built a life “full of adventure, friendship and possibility.”

Luke remembered as ‘a treasured son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend’

Close friend Jack Elton said Luke impressed everyone he met.

‘Luke truly loved life and lived it to the fullest, making friends and connections everywhere he went,’ she said.

‘Whether you’ve known him for five minutes or five years, Luke left a lasting impression.

Standing ‘6’ tall, Luke was a gentle giant in every sense. She was kind, warm and full of life; He had a heart as big as his being.’

Luke was remembered as ‘a treasured son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend’.

He was the eldest of three brothers, and his death compounded the already devastating family loss. His parents, Nick and Mariella Smith, lost two of their three sons.

A. GoFundMe page The team Jack set up to return Luke’s body to the UK said: ‘It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we share the devastating loss of our beloved Luke Daniel Kellett-Smith, a beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend.

‘Luke, 34, had been living in Toronto since 2019; He was building a life full of adventure, friendship and possibility. Luke truly loved life and lived it to the fullest, making friends and connections wherever he went. Whether you’ve known him for five minutes or for years, Luke left a lasting impression. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, Luke was a gentle giant in every sense. She was kind, warm and full of life; He had a heart as big as his being.

‘Tragically, Luke passed away on December 31st after being physically assaulted in downtown Toronto. His sudden and violent death left his family and loved ones devastated beyond words.

When Luke managed to stand up, he was allegedly attacked again, causing him to lose consciousness, according to the Toronto Police Service.

‘Luke was the eldest of three brothers. His parents now face the unimaginable pain of losing two of their three sons. ‘No parent should ever have to endure heartbreak like this, let alone twice.’

Jack added: ‘My name is Jack, I’m one of Luke’s best friends and I’m organizing this fundraiser for Luke’s parents, Nick and Mariella Smith.’

He said the fundraiser would help repatriate Luke’s body, cover funeral and memorial costs, and support the grieving family.

‘Our aim is to help Luke’s parents bring him to Woking, where he can eventually be buried next to his brother James, surrounded by family and love,’ the page says.

‘Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and help alleviate immense financial hardship at a time of profound loss.’

Luke’s death also drew reaction from the football community. Horndean FC have paid tribute to his brother Matt after confirming he plays for the club.

The club said: ‘As a club we send our love to Luke’s family, friends and loved ones.’

Jack said: ‘Luke will be forever loved, forever missed and never forgotten.’