Who was Omega Ruston before his death? A carefree spirit with a love of adventure
Omega Ruston, a father of two was shot and killed in an alleged road rage accident. But who was this man, sporting tattoos of his family, with a zest for travel?
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Omega Ruston’s Facebook page – which is still live 13 years after his death – paints a picture of a family man and adventurer who lived life to the fullest.
In his profile picture, Mr Ruston is sitting on an elephant during a trek in Thailand.
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The photo is dated October 28, 2008 – months before the construction worker died at age 32.
The father-of-two was shot during an alleged road-rage attack at Burleigh Heads just before 10.30pm on Australia Day, 2009.
Mr Ruston was celebrating the day at North Burleigh before he hit the road with two mates in his ute.
Three men were arrested this week over his death.
Mr Ruston’s Facebook page shows two “likes” publicly – one is the official Australia Day page for the New South Wales government.
The second like indicates Mr Ruston, who attended Nerang State High School, was a fan of the Socceroos.
Mr Ruston’s page, which lists 132 friends, includes a photo of his daughter’s name tattooed on his arm followed by “to your love and happiness”.
Another photo shows a similar tattoo of Mr Ruston’s son’s name, with “honor, integrity, love & strength”.
They were aged three years and 10 months, respectively, when their father died.
“Courtney” was tattooed on Mr Ruston’s chest, referencing partner Courtney Kete.
Mr Ruston’s travel-happy snaps show him enjoying a drink or two and partying with locals, his face lit up with an infectious grin in some images.
Among the photos is an image of Omega posing in a national park in Thailand, which has since been plastered across the media in the wake of his death.
“I miss you,” one person commented.
“You had lots of stories to tell from your travels. I only wish I got to hear them.
“You will be loved and missed all over the world.”
Evidently something of a patriot, Mr Ruston is also pictured with a fresh tattoo of the Southern Cross covering much of his back.
Among the photos, an image of Omega posing in a national park Thailand, which has since been plastered across the media in the wake of his death.
“I miss you,” one person commented.
“You had lots of stories to tell from your travels. I only wish I got to hear them. You will be loved and missed all over the world.”
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