Coward punch victim Thomas Kelly’s brother Stuart dies

THE family of ‘one punch’ victim Thomas Kelly has been struck with another tragedy, with the death of their younger son Stuart.

Stuart Kelly pictured bravely speaking to the media outside the sentence appeal hearing for Thomas Kelly’s killer Kieran Loveridge in 2014. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

THE younger brother of ‘one-punch’ victim Thomas Kelly has tragically died.

The Kelly family has been struck with another tragedy with the death of Stuart, 19, who passed away in Mona Vale yesterday.

The King’s School school’s headmaster, Dr Tim Hawkes, released a statement last night informing students and families of Stuart’s passing. Stuart completed Year 12 at the school last year.

“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of an Old Boy of the School, Stuart Kelly (’15). This is the second great tragedy to affect the Kelly family,” Dr Hawkes.

Thomas Kelly was killed in a ‘one-punch’ attack in 2012.

Ralph and Kathy Kelly with Stuart at the 2014 Pride Of Australia Medal awards. Picture: Richard Dobson

“The exact circumstances surrounding his death are not known, however, it is enough to know that we have lost a member of our community and therefore our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and Ralph Kelly and their daughter Madeleine.”

Stuart was just 14 when Thomas, 18, died after he was randomly punched by Kieren Loveridge as he walked with his girlfriend in Kings Cross.

Loveridge was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to at least 10 years and two months in prison, after the original five year and two months sentence was appealed by the DPP on the back of community outrage.

Outside court, Stuart, then 16, spoke passionately and said he hoped some meaning would come from his brother’s death.

“I believe we should have respect for one another, for our friends, family, acquaintances, different cultures and complete strangers.”

“A culture where we accept responsibility for our actions - not one where we all too often lay the blame on our past as an excuse for what we do today.”

Stuart Kelly graduated from The King’s School last year.

Dr Hawkes said the school is in shock after learning of Stuart’s death

“To have lost two sons in such circumstances is beyond awful,” Dr Hawkes said.

“As a student, Stuart was greatly respected, He was a school prefect who possessed a quiet integrity that made him enormously effective as a leader.

“The strength and character shown by Stuart when his brother was killed by a one punch attack in July 2012, was extraordinary.”

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Dr Hawkes said Stuart’s work with The Thomas Kelly Foundation was admirable.

“The death of Stuart Kelly is tragic and a reminder that life is fragile, loved one precious and each day a gift,” he said.

At a gala dinner for the Thomas Kelly Foundation last year, Stuart spoke of the heartbreak of losing his “best friend” and the “scar” that he carried with him.

Stuart Kelly has died. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

The statement released by The King’s School about Stuart’s death.

“I look back at that moment: I was 14 years old, I was told by a stranger that my brother, my best friend, was going to die. Those few words would change my life forever,” Stuart said.

“I’m now 17 — that was three years ago. However I carry a deep scar that you cannot see. It’s always there, it never leaves. It sits below the surface of your skin and surfaces when you least expect it.

“(We need) change to stop the growing epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse, and misuse, and to say no to senseless violence.”

A spokesman for NSW Police said a report would be prepared for the Coroner.

*Anyone seeking emergency help with mental health issues or needing crisis support should contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Thomas Kelly.

Key dates:

July 7, 2012: After 10pm, Loveridge punches Thomas Kelly in the head unprovoked on Victoria St shortly after 10pm. The blow sends Kelly’s head smashing into the concrete.

July 18, 2012: Loveridge arrested and charged with murdering Thomas Kelly.

March 11, 2013: Offer made by Loveridge to plead guilty to manslaughter and four assault charges.

June 14, 2013: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions NSW accepts offer to plead guilty to manslaughter and assaults.

November 8, 2013: Loveridge is sentenced by NSW Supreme Court Judge Stephen Campbell to a minimum jail term of five years two months with a maximum of seven years two months. His sentence is later increased.