Daniel Christie‘s brother John has taken to Facebook to express his support and condolences for Stuart Kelly, the 19-year-old brother of one-punch victim Thomas Kelly who was found dead in his home on Monday from what is being reported as suicide.
John Christie and Stuart Kelly share a unique yet morbid bond, having both had brothers die after being ‘coward-punched’ in Sydney in unprovoked acts of violence. The deaths of Daniel Christie and Thomas Kelly became huge rallying points to address the city’s problem with alcohol-fuelled violence, and eventually led to the controversial lockout laws coming in to place.
John – who has not sought the public eye in the same way Thomas’ family have – took to Facebook to pay tribute to Stuart and remind people that whoever has the solutions to the lockout laws, the families of fatal victims are definitely not it.
“For those of you who are quick to ‘spray’ vitriol about how these lockout laws are diminishing your nights out, please stop and be mindful about the effects your comment(s) can be making,” he wrote.
“RIP Stuart Kelly. I know how It feels to be caught In the same strange position.
“To be a proverbial ‘buoy’, awash In a sea of motives & agendas, of people our age, business owners, and MP’s trying to find a solution.
“Do we, as family members of victims innately have an answer?
“No I don’t think we do, we are just very unfortunate individuals who lost the ones which we love.
“I commend you Stuart for trying to make the city a safer place, and for your strength and courage.”
Photo: The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation.
Hey mates – if this story has caused you distress in any way, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Other services you can call for support with mental health or in times of crisis are Mensline on 1300 789 978, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.
