Tributes are flowing for a British expatriate described as a 'gentle giant' who died after a horrific alleged assault in Toronto, Canada.
A Night Out Ends in Tragedy
Luke Kellett-Smith, a 34-year-old originally from Woking, Surrey, lost his life on New Year's Eve 2025. His death came three days after he was seriously injured during an incident in the early hours of December 28th.
According to Toronto Police Service, the alleged attack occurred around 1.20am near the intersection of Front Street West and University Avenue. Police state that a verbal altercation escalated, resulting in Kellett-Smith being struck twice before falling to the ground outside a venue.
The 30-year-old suspect, Benard Emeka Oneh from Richmond Hill, was initially charged with aggravated assault. Following Kellett-Smith's death, that charge has been upgraded to manslaughter.
A Life Celebrated and a Family's Heartbreak
Luke Kellett-Smith, who stood at an imposing 6'5", was remembered by friends and family for his kind and warm nature. He had moved to Toronto in 2019, embracing life in Canada.
His best friend, Jack Elton, paid a moving tribute, stating: "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 five years, Luke left a lasting impression." He added, "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."
The tragedy has compounded an existing family sorrow. A GoFundMe page established to support the costs of repatriating Luke's body to the UK reveals his parents have now lost two of their three sons. The fundraiser states: "No parent should ever have to endure such heartbreak, let alone twice."
Community Rallies to Bring Luke Home
The fundraising effort has seen an outpouring of support, with more than £27,000 donated at the time of writing. The goal is to help Luke's parents bring him back to Woking, where he can be laid to rest beside his brother, James.
Tributes have also come from the UK football community. Luke's brother, Matt, plays for Horndean FC, which shared its own message of condolence: "As a club, we send our love to the family, friends and loved ones of Luke."
The investigation by Toronto Police continues as they piece together the full circumstances of the incident that cut short the life of the much-loved expat.
