A British national living in Canada tragically lost his life following a violent altercation with another individual in the early hours of the morning, according to law enforcement authorities.
Luke Kellett-Smith, aged 34, was socializing on December 28 when Benard Emeka Oneh purportedly engaged in a verbal dispute with him around 1:20 a.m. The victim, who relocated to Toronto in 2019, was struck twice during the confrontation outside a venue, resulting in him collapsing on both occasions, as per the police report. Luke, who hailed from Woking, succumbed to his injuries and passed away on New Year’s Eve after losing consciousness from the second assault.
Emeka Oneh, 30, was apprehended on the same day of the incident and charged with assaulting the expatriate. Initially facing accusations of aggravated assault, the suspect from Richmond Hill had his charges elevated to manslaughter by the Toronto Police Service on Monday.
The fatal altercation occurred at the intersection of Front Street West and University Avenue. Despite the suspect’s initial escape from the scene, he was swiftly apprehended later that day.
Oneh was slated to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Monday. Details regarding the relationship between the two men or the events leading up to the alleged assault remain undisclosed.
Close acquaintances of Luke paid heartfelt tributes to the adventurous and sociable Brit who had touched many lives. Describing him as a towering figure at 6’5”, Luke was remembered as a gentle and vibrant individual with a generous spirit by his best friend Jack Elton.
The eldest of three siblings, Luke had tragically lost one of his brothers previously. Horndean FC, where his other brother Matt plays, also expressed condolences to Luke’s family and friends.
To facilitate Luke’s return to the UK, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by his loved ones, raising over £27,000 to cover the repatriation expenses. The fundraiser aims to support Luke’s parents in laying their son to rest in Woking alongside his deceased brother James, surrounded by their family’s love.
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