Morwell teen Nick Henry’s family tells of anguish over alleged murder

The family of Morwell teen Nick Henry, who was allegedly killed after a run-in with a group of men, has told of their frustration at delays in the case on the eve of his 20th birthday.

Nick Henry’s family say his upcoming 20th birthday is a painful reminder of their loss.

The family of Morwell teenager Nick Henry, who was allegedly stabbed to death, has revealed their ongoing grief one year on, saying the loss “never gets easier”.

Nick Henry, 19, was killed in February last year after an alleged run-in with a group of men in Morwell on Buckley St.

Three men — brothers Brayden Smart, 20, and Corey Smart, 23 and 19-year-old Abraham Abas — were arrested and charged with the killing.

Nick Henry is described as having ‘the brightest smile’.

In an emotional interview, Nick’s sister, Taylor Henry, told the Saturday Herald Sun her brother was the “missing piece of the family” and how his birthday was a painful reminder of their ongoing grief.

“My brother should be celebrating his 20th birthday this Saturday, he had his whole life ahead of him – we just miss him so much,” Ms Henry said.

“It’s never easier, even when it’s after a year. We always think of him and we’re learning to deal with the loss as we go along.

“My mum is good at hiding how she feels but this one she can’t hide, it gets to her – it’s been very hard for her.

“We will be getting together for his birthday to have dinner and a few drinks to honour his memory.”

Nick Henry (centre) with relatives: mum Karen, aunt Glenda, sister Taylor and aunt Nicole.

Nick was stabbed to death in the early hours of February 20 about 12.30am.

He had allegedly suffered severe stab wounds after an alleged run-in with a group of men and was found near his van and died soon after in hospital.

Ms Henry said the family desperately hoped for justice and were frustrated by the delays.

“Hopefully his case goes to trial very soon. That’s what we’re hoping. I know we can’t move the progress along but we wish it would move on so that we can get the justice that we want.

“But with Covid and everything – there’s just been so many delays.”

Ms Henry said she vividly remembered her last outing with Nick and would cherish the memories forever.

Tributes in Morwell for teen Nick Henry on the one-year anniversary of his death.

“We went to the pool and we just had a great day and we didn’t worry about what else life was throwing at us, I’ll never forget it.

“I would drive past the pool every day and say take me back to that time.”

She said Nick had the “brightest smile” and knew how to make people laugh.

“He was a kid that you could never not love. He had the brightest smile, he was always happy, he was a character and knew how to make you laugh.

“He was just one of those kids that you could love. He truly had a heart of gold and there isn’t a day that goes past when we don’t think of him”