A UK citizen living abroad was brutally attacked and killed following a heated argument with another individual in the early morning hours, as reported by law enforcement. Luke Kellett-Smith, aged 34, was out on December 28 when Benard Emeka Oneh allegedly engaged in a verbal dispute with him around 1:20 am. The altercation led to Luke being struck twice, causing him to fall outside a venue in Toronto. Luke, who had relocated to the Canadian city in 2019, lost consciousness after the second blow and tragically passed away from his injuries on New Year’s Eve.
Emeka Oneh, 30, was taken into custody on December 28 for the attack on the expat. Initially charged with aggravated assault, the suspect, a resident of Richmond Hill, had the charges elevated to manslaughter by the Toronto Police Service on Monday.
The fatal incident occurred on Front Street West and University Avenue. Authorities mentioned that the suspect fled the scene but was apprehended on the same day. Emeka Oneh was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Monday. It remains unclear whether the two individuals were acquainted or what transpired before the alleged assault.
Family and friends of Luke paid heartfelt tributes to the adventurous and sociable Brit. His close friend, Jack Elton, described Luke as someone who embraced life to the fullest, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. Luke, standing at 6’5”, was remembered as a gentle giant with a warm and lively personality.
Luke, the eldest of three brothers, tragically lost one of his siblings earlier. His other brother, Matt, who plays for Horndean FC, also expressed condolences for Luke, stating that the football club stands with Luke’s family and friends during this difficult time.
To bring Luke back to the UK, a GoFundMe page has been set up by his loved ones, raising over £27,000. The fundraising effort aims to assist Luke’s parents, who are now coping with the unimaginable loss of two of their sons, in laying Luke to rest alongside his brother James in Woking, surrounded by family and love.