Stuart Kelly, the 19-year-old brother of coward punch victim Thomas Kelly, may have taken his own life after relentless bullying and abuse following the introduction of Sydney‘s lockout laws, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Since he lost his brother age 14, Stuart had been campaigning against alcohol-fuelled violence for the Thomas Kelly Foundation alongside his parents and sister. It was in part the foundation’s advocacy that led to the NSW Government tightening its highly controversial lockout laws, and imposing mandatory sentencing for violent, alcohol-induced offenders.
Yesterday, close family and friends told the Daily Tele that Stuart had been the victim of relentless bullying and hate mail ever since the lockout laws were introduced, which is too sad and awful for words. He was found dead in his Northern Beaches home on Monday. (A quick but important reminder that it is possible to oppose government legislation without stooping to bullying and abuse.)
After graduating The King’s School last year, Stuart had been accepted into St Paul’s College at Sydney University, but spent just one night there before postponing his studies. The Daily Tele reports that he sought refuge back at his old school, coaching the under 14s rugby team.
The school yesterday said it was in “profound shock” to learn of Stuart’s death, and praised the teenager’s “extraordinary” strength and character.
“The death of Stuart Kelly is tragic, and a reminder that life is fragile, loved ones precious and each day a gift,” it said on Facebook.
Stuart’s dad Ralph Kelly posted on Facebook last night: “The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained.”
A memorial service has yet to be announced.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
Photo: Facebook / The King’s School.
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