Friends ask for help to bring home U.K. man who died tragically in Canada
Friends and family of a U.K. man who died tragically in Canada are pleading for help to bring his body home.
On Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, Toronto police responded to a call for a medical complaint at 1:20 a.m. EST in the Front Street West and University Avenue area of Toronto.
According to the police report, the suspect and victim (Luke Daniel Kellett-Smith) allegedly became involved in a verbal altercation outside of an establishment. The suspect proceeded to assault Kellett-Smith twice, causing him to fall to the ground the second time and lose consciousness.
The 34-year-old was transported to the hospital, where he was placed on life support. On New Year’s Eve, Kellett-Smith succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead, according to Toronto police.
GoFundMe
“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,” reads the description of a GoFundMe launched by Jack Elton — who says he’s one of Kellett-Smith’s close friends — on behalf of parents Nick and Mariella Smith.
The fundraiser was created on Jan. 6 and has since received 886 donations.
Elton says the 34-year-old had been living in Toronto since 2019, “building a life full of adventure, friendship, and possibility.”
He’s described as being a sociable, gentle giant with “a heart as big as his presence.”
“His sudden and violent death has left his family and loved ones devastated beyond words,” reads the GoFundMe.
Luke Daniel Kellett-Smith with his parents (GoFundMe)
According to Elton, Kellett-Smith was the eldest of three brothers, and the second son to have died in the family.
“No parent should ever have to endure such heartbreak, let alone twice,” he writes.
Elton says the GoFundMe was set up to help the 34-year-old’s parents repatriate Kellett-Smith’s body back home to the U.K. from Canada and pay for the funeral and memorial expenses.
The description notes that all funds raised will be passed directly to Kellett-Smith’s parents as beneficiaries.
“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,” writes Elton.
“Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and help ease the immense financial strain during a time of profound loss.”
GoFundMe
As of Tuesday, Jan. 20, they have raised £34,391 (C$63,981), surpassing their goal of £10,000.
According to Toronto police, 30-year-old Bernard Emeka Oneh was arrested on Dec. 28 as a suspect in the case. He was initially charged with aggravated assault, but those charges were upgraded to manslaughter on Jan. 5.
If you want to donate, check out Kellett Smith’s GoFundMe.