Brendan ‘BJ’ Easey, brother of murder victim Danielle Easey, has died

Tributes are flowing for the “stoic and courageous” brother of murdered Newcastle mum Danielle Easey – found wrapped in plastic and dumped in a creek – after his unexpected death.

BJ was the brother of murdered young Newcastle mum Danielle Easey. Picture: Supplied.

Tributes are flowing for the “stoic and courageous” brother of murdered Newcastle mum Danielle Easey – found wrapped in plastic and dumped in a creek – after his unexpected death.

Brendan Easey, known as ‘BJ’, died at his Hunter home in his sleep last week.

After years of being dragged through court seeking justice for the brutal 2019 murder of Danielle – who was 29 at the time of death – the Easey family were just getting back on track.

Now, they are suffering all over again after the sudden unexpected death of Brendan.

In the wake of his death, surviving sibling Tahnee Easey told this publication she was “utterly heartbroken”.

In recent years, Brendan never stopped seeking justice for the senseless slaying of Danielle, she was stabbed to death at a Narara home on the Central Coast in August 2019 before being wrapped in plastic and dumped in a creek.

It was years before her murderer Carol Marie McHenry was found guilty and sentenced to more than 20 years jail in 2023.

Justin Kent Dilosa was acquitted of her murder and pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder and received six years imprisonment.

Danielle's brother Brendon Easey at the funeral of Danielle Easey at Lake Macquarie Memorial Park. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

BJ Easey fought for justice for Danielle. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Easey had been at every court hearing for his late sister and was there for his family as they navigated through heartbreak.

He leaves behind his partner Billy-Jo and young son Blayze.

The cause of his death has not been made clear as the family await test results.

Tahnee Easey said on Friday her “stoic” and “courageous” brother is now gone.

“He was fine, very healthy. Going to the gym and doing his saunas every morning and going on runs,” she said as she held back tears knowing she is the only remaining sibling in the family.

Tahnee said she took solace in the fact Brendan and Danielle will be reunited.

“That’s what we hold in our hearts,” she said.

Brendan 'BJ' Easey, the brother of murder victim Danielle Easey, died in his sleep unexpectedly on January 16, 2025. Credit: Facebook

She recounted fond memories of her brother BJ as a young child, always helping out and always making sure she was OK.

“I wasn’t at school at that stage but he’d make me a sandwich and make sure I was eating during the day and packed my sister’s school lunch for her every morning.

“He’s the wisest man on earth, a very loyal and loving man.”

Tributes flooded social media, with family and friends labelling Brendan as “kind-hearted”.

His uncle David Easey said he was in a “state of shock”.

“It is true that I will never get to talk or see my nephew again, you will always be in my heart and you will always be missed by all your family and friends,” he posted on Facebook.

Another friend said the news of Brendan’s death was all a “horrible heartbreaking blur”.

“Today just feels empty,” she said.

“I don’t know how to put into words the impact you’ve had on my life because you fit perfectly into the annoying big brother role when I’m so far from home.

“You were one of the kindest-hearted people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise funds for his family in a bid to provide them with support and give him the funeral “he deserves”.

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