A British expatriate was tragically killed following a heated dispute with another individual during the early hours of the morning, as per police reports.
Luke Kellett-Smith, aged 34, had been out on December 28 when Benard Emeka Oneh, the suspect, engaged in a verbal altercation with him around 1:20 am. The British national, who had relocated to Toronto in 2019, was struck twice, leading to his collapse outside a venue in the city. Luke lost consciousness after the second blow and succumbed to his injuries on New Year’s Eve.
Emeka Oneh, aged 30, was apprehended on December 28 and charged with assaulting the expatriate. Initially facing aggravated assault charges, the suspect from Richmond Hill now faces manslaughter charges, according to the Toronto Police Service.
The fatal altercation occurred on Front Street West and University Avenue. The suspect reportedly fled the scene but was swiftly apprehended on the same day.
Emeka Oneh was set to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Monday. Details remain undisclosed regarding the relationship between the two individuals or the events leading up to the alleged assault.
Friends and family of Luke paid heartfelt tributes to the adventurous Brit who had created a life full of possibilities and camaraderie. Described as a gentle giant with a warm and vibrant personality, Luke’s impact on those around him was profound.
Luke, the eldest of three brothers, had tragically lost one sibling previously. His other brother, Matt, who plays for Horndean FC, also shared a touching tribute to Luke, expressing condolences on behalf of the football club.
A GoFundMe page has been established by Luke’s loved ones to raise funds to repatriate him to the UK, with donations surpassing £27,000. The fundraiser aims to provide support to Luke’s parents during this unimaginably difficult time, as they face the loss of two sons and endeavor to bring him home to Woking for a final resting place alongside his brother James.