A UK citizen living in Canada tragically lost his life following a violent altercation with another individual in the early hours of the morning, according to authorities. Luke Kellett-Smith, aged 34, was involved in a verbal dispute with Benard Emeka Oneh on December 28. Oneh allegedly struck Kellett-Smith twice, causing him to collapse outside a Toronto venue. Despite efforts, Kellett-Smith succumbed to his injuries on New Year’s Eve.
Oneh, 30, was apprehended on the same day and faced initial charges of aggravated assault, which were later upgraded to manslaughter by the Toronto Police Service. The incident occurred on Front Street West and University Avenue, with Oneh fleeing the scene but being swiftly apprehended.
The suspect was set to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre. The relationship between the two men prior to the attack remains unclear. Kellett-Smith’s friends and family remembered him fondly as a vibrant and kind individual who embraced life to the fullest.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to bring Kellett-Smith’s remains back to the UK, with donations exceeding £27,000. The initiative aims to support his parents during this difficult time, given that they have now lost two of their three sons. The goal is to reunite Kellett-Smith with his late brother James in Woking for a final resting place surrounded by love and family.