Tungkillo murder: Son pays tribute to stabbing victim Kevin Skeyhill
THE son of Adelaide Hills murder victim Kevin Skeyhill has paid a heartfelt tribute to his father, who died in the driveway of a neighbour’s Tungkillo home last Wednesday after being stabbed.
THE son of Adelaide Hills murder victim Kevin Skeyhill has paid a heartfelt tribute to his father, describing him as a “remarkable man” who “was there without fail” if anyone needed help.
Mr Skeyhill, 51, died in the driveway of his neighbour’s Adelaide Rd, Tungkillo home about 10.30pm last Wednesday after being fatally stabbed.
Police quickly arrested Mr Skeyhill’s neighbour Darren Lorke, 52, and charged him with murder.
Mr Skeyhill’s devastated son Nick Skeyhill, 25, described his father, who worked as a farm hand, as a friendly man who would help anyone.
“He was an absolutely remarkable man who touched so many lives,” he told The Advertiser.
“When I was a kid we would go on long drives sometimes up to an hour away and even though we where 100km from home he knew all the local farmers and publicans by name. Still to this day that amazes me.”
Nick, of St Kilda, said his dad was “kind, caring, understanding and a lot more”.
“If anyone ever needed help, he was there without fail,” he said.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better role model to help me become the man I am today and I will miss him forever with all my heart.”
Mr Skeyhill’s death rocked the small Adelaide Hills town of Tungkillo, near Mount Pleasant. Friends described him as a “good bloke” who “wouldn’t hurt a fly”.
A woman, who did not wish to be named, told The Advertiser that her husband had dropped Mr Skeyhill home after work on Wednesday night and allegedly saw a man in his backyard.
The man then allegedly darted next door and hid behind a bush before stabbing Mr Skeyhill in the torso.
The woman’s husband called emergency services but there was nothing they could do to save the father of two.
Lorke appeared via video link in the Adelaide Magistrates Court last Thursday and made no application for bail.
He was remanded in custody and will next appear in court in November.
Major Crime detectives are investigating Mr Skeyhill’s death.
Mr Skeyhill is survived by his son, Nick, daughter Marlee and two grandchildren.