Family speaks after Sunshine Coast dad Sam Platt’s death

A Queensland mother-of-three has made a desperate plea for better men’s mental health support amid the housing crisis after her partner tragically took his own life on Christmas Day.

Sam Platt, 33, took his own life on Christmas Day 2024.

A Sunshine Coast mother-of-three has made a desperate plea for better men’s mental health support after her partner tragically took his own life on Christmas Day.

Sunshine Coast father Sam Platt died by suicide on Christmas Day 2024, leaving behind his partner and three young children Alaina, Kayden and Riley.

The 33-year-old cabinet-maker was a keen dirt bike rider who enjoyed spending most of his time outdoors.

Mr Platt’s partner Meghan Cross said the devoted dad loved planning adventures with his children and was always organising activities to look forward to.

“Sam was a hard worker, wonderful dad, always trying to just be his best,” Ms Cross said.

“He was struggling with his mental health but was very silent about it, the struggles he had he never really shared what was going on.

“I believe it is a big problem among men from his generation, they need to know they don’t have to be too strong.”

Sam Platt, 33, with his family.

Loved ones of Sam Platt, 33, will gather for his funeral this week.

Ms Cross said their family had been suffering through the region’s housing crisis, living between family members’ properties in a caravan, which put enormous pressure on Mr Platt.

“We had gone through a lot due to the housing crisis, having three children and one income we ended up in a caravan on my parents’ property,” Ms Cross said.

“It put a huge toll on us both, especially him feeling like he had to provide for us.

“It was just too much for the both of us.”

Ms Cross urged other men to reach out and talk with friends and family about any mental health struggles they may be experiencing.

“Always seek help because there are people that care, Sam didn’t think many people cared but it goes to show now just how many people there were who did,” Ms Cross said.

A GoFundMe has been organised to help provide financial support for Ms Cross and her children.

A church service for Mr Platt is scheduled for Friday.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency phone triple-0.