Former St Joseph’s student Tom O’Neill mourned after sudden death, aged 22

A 22-year-old former St Joseph’s College Geelong student has been remembered as a “caring, community minded“ person, after he died in his sleep on New Year’s Eve from a suspected seizure.

Tom O'Neill. Photo: Supplied.

A 22-year-old former St Joseph’s College Geelong student who tragically died in his sleep on New Year’s Eve has been remembered as a “caring, community minded and generous person”.

Tom O’Neill died on December 31 from a suspected medical episode.

The eldest of Tom’s 11 siblings, Jack O’Neill, said his younger brother had faced multiple health challenges throughout his life.

“He was diagnosed with meningitis when he was three months old and then developed epilepsy,” he said.

“So he’s had a history of seizures and also an acquired brain injury.”

While a coroner is yet to determine the official cause of death, it is believed Tom suffered from a fatal seizure in his sleep.

Tom was a qualified horticulturalist who had a passion for running, self-improvement, and volunteering.

“If he wasn’t running, he would still volunteer as part of the race organising and marshalling teams for big events,” Jack said.

“He would often catch the first train from Geelong and get home late at night, and do it all again for two or three days in a row, just volunteering.

“I think that highlights the sort of community minded person he was.”

Jack said while Tom was a quiet person who had a “unique” way of communicating with others, it didn’t change the caring person he was.

“Tom volunteered with the Make A Wish Foundation here in Geelong following his own health challenges as a child,” he said.

Tom O'Neill. Photo: Supplied.

Following his brother’s death, Jack said previously unknown interests and relationships in Tom’s life had come to light.

He said while Tom had always struggled socially because of his health challenges, he had made a number of friends online across the world.

“One of his friends from Gippsland had a tough day, so Tom drove up there that night, stayed for half an hour, had coffee with him, and then drove back the same night to get to sleep for work the next morning at six o’clock.

“I think that story highlighted to me the type of caring person he was.

“I’m sure there’ll be lots more stories that we’ll manage to unravel and find out through this process.”

The O’Neill family have launched a GoFundMe page, raising money to cover the cost of Tom’s upcoming funeral.

It had raised almost $15,000 as at 4pm Thursday.

The family said they were “devastated” to share the news of their son and brother’s sudden death.

“(Tom’s) family are supported by the knowledge that (his) generosity and kindness will be felt by all who knew him long after his time with us,” the GoFundMe said.

“He will be sorely missed by his parents, siblings, friends and workmates, all of whom sincerely thank you for your kindness and support during this difficult time.

“Forever 22, forever loved, forever missed.”

Originally published as Former St Joseph’s student Tom O’Neill mourned after sudden death, aged 22