Tributes are flooding in for Luke Daniel Kellett-Smith, 34, a Woking-born man described by friends as a “gentle giant”, who died in Toronto following an alleged violent assault.

Toronto Police say the incident occurred at around 1.20am on December 28 near Front Street West and University Avenue.

Luke and 30-year-old Benard Emeka Oneh, of Richmond Hill, are alleged to have become involved in a verbal argument outside a local establishment.

Police say that Luke was struck, causing him to fall to the ground. They say that when Luke attempted to get back on his feet, he was apparently assaulted again and lost consciousness.

Luke was taken to hospital and placed on life support, and died three days later on December 31.

Oneh was arrested the same night and initially charged with aggravated assault. On January 5, the charge was upgraded to manslaughter, and he appeared at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre that morning. Police say it is not known whether the two men knew each other.

Luke had been living in Toronto since 2019, where he built a life “full of adventure, friendship and possibility”, according to friends. Standing 6ft 5in tall, he was known for his warmth, kindness and infectious energy. He was the eldest of three brothers.

A GoFundMe organised by Luke’s close friend Jack Elton has raised more than £33,000 to help repatriate his body to Woking, cover funeral and memorial costs, and support the family. Friends and members of the wider community have left tributes, remembering him as a beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend.

Jack said: “Luke will be forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.”