Mother of murder victim Lukasz Klosowski sets up music festival, foundation for his 21st birthday

Lukasz Klosowski’s life was cut short at 19 by his father in a brutal shooting. Now, on what would have been his 21st, his family is honouring him with his life’s passion.

Family and friends of charismatic Adelaide student Lukasz Klosowski will ensure he is remembered for his love of music and people when they celebrate what would have been his 21st birthday with a festival and the launch of a charitable foundation.

His mother Magda Pearce will launch a foundation in his name at the mini festival to be attended about 200 friends and family on Lukasz’s birthday, February 16.

The aim of the venture is to secure a long-term, positive legacy for the beloved teen, changing the narrative away from him being the victim of his father’s horrendous crime.

“Lukasz was happiest when he was listening to music, going to concerts, talking about music. He loved anything to do with music and that’s how we want him remembered,” Mrs Pearce said.

Known as Wu to his closest family and friends, the 19-year-old was studying to be a music journalist when he and his girlfriend Chelsea Ireland were gunned down by his father Pawel Klosowski at a property in the state’s South-East in August last year.

Greg Ireland’s dad and sister Greg and Maddie with Magda Pearce, Lukasz Klosowski’s mother, and Magda’s son Ricky. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Lukasz Klosowski and Chelsea Ireland. Supplied By Family

Mrs Pearce said she wanted to show her younger son, Lukasz’s half-brother Ricky, 5, how beautiful, talented and loved by many Lukasz and Chelsea were.

“I want Ricky to see that this tragedy does not define Lukasz. Lukasz’s story doesn’t end there,” she said.

Chelsea’s father Greg and sister Maddie will be board members of the foundation set up by Mrs Pearce, to be called Beats for Wu, Lukasz Foundation.

The foundation will collaboratively fund projects with the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation focusing on music and mental health.

Mrs Pearce said one of the first projects Beats For Wu would support was assisting music students at UniSA, where Lukasz attended, to explore music therapy for children and youth affected by trauma.

“Losing his older brother has had an impact on Ricky who is a beautiful, sensitive soul,” Mrs Pearce said.

“So it’s really important that we provide children and young people who experience trauma all the tools we can to build resilience and confidence.”

Lukasz Klosowski’s mother Magda Pearce with her son Ricky, 5. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Breakthrough executive director John Mannion said he was in constant awe of Mrs Pearce’s courage, determination and focus.

“She has an incredible passion for mental health research that is evident in her desire to ensure a legacy for Lukasz,” he said.

“Establishing Beats for Wu is an important step in changing the narrative of what happened to focus on Lukasz’s love of music, family and friends and will ensure a beautiful legacy for his little brother Ricky.”

The music festival for Lukasz, to be presented by media identity Rebecca Morse, will be held at Carclew youth arts centre in North Adelaide.

Anyone keen to support Beats For Wu can contact Nadine Bishop at [e-mail]