A heartbreaking incident has shaken the Wellington community after the death of a young South African man, Luke Smith, who recently moved to New Zealand with his family.
At just 21 years old, Luke’s life was cut short following an assault in the city’s central area.
Details of the Incident
The tragic event occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 6, near St James Theatre on Courtenay Place.
Luke was enjoying a lively night out filled with music and dance when the assault took place.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, and his family faced the devastating decision to turn off his life support on Tuesday.
Remembering Luke
Luke Smith has been fondly remembered by those who knew him as a “vibrant” and “gentle” person.
His family expressed their sorrow, describing him as “full of life, hope, and promise” — a bright light that was extinguished far too soon.
The community is mourning the loss of such a promising young man who had only just begun to carve out his path in New Zealand.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
In light of this tragedy, a crowdfunding campaign titled “Justice for Luke” has been launched by The BlackHouse, a group dedicated to supporting African and African-NZ communities in Aotearoa.
The initiative aims to assist Luke’s family with the financial burden of repatriating his body from New Zealand to South Africa for a proper funeral.
Ongoing Investigation
As the community grapples with this loss, police are diligently working to uncover the circumstances surrounding Luke’s death.
A 29-year-old boxer has been charged in connection with the assault, and investigators are continuing to gather evidence.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward, as they seek to piece together what happened that fateful night.
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