Heartfelt tributes are being shared for a British expatriate fondly known as a ‘gentle giant,’ who was tragically killed in an alleged street assault following a heated dispute.
Luke Kellett-Smith, 34, who hailed from Woking, Surrey, found himself embroiled in a confrontation in downtown Toronto during the early hours of December 28.
The incident reportedly took place near the intersection of Front Street West and University Avenue, according to police reports.
Amid the altercation, it is alleged that 30-year-old Benard Emeka Oneh attacked Luke, delivering a blow that knocked him to the ground.
The Toronto Police Service stated that after Luke attempted to stand, he was allegedly struck again, leading to him losing consciousness.
Oneh, a resident of the Richmond Hill area, is said to have left the scene, while Luke was urgently transported to the hospital. Despite being placed on life support, he succumbed to his injuries 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.
‘Tragically, Luke lost his life on the 31st of December after being physically assaulted in downtown Toronto. His sudden and violent death has left his family and loved ones devastated beyond words.
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
‘Luke was the eldest of three brothers. His parents are now facing the unimaginable pain of having lost two of their three sons. No parent should ever have to endure such heartbreak, let alone twice.’
Jack added: ‘My name is Jack, I am one of Luke’s closest friends and I am organising this fundraiser for Luke’s parents, Nick & Mariella Smith.’
He said the fundraiser would help cover the cost of repatriating Luke’s body, funeral and memorial expenses, and supporting the family as they grieve.
‘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 says.
‘Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and help ease the immense financial strain during a time of profound loss.’
Luke’s death has also prompted tributes from the football community. Horndean FC paid tribute after confirming that his brother Matt plays for the club.
The club said: ‘As a club, we send our love to the family, friends and loved ones of Luke.’
Jack said: ‘Luke will be forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.’
