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Nick Cave’s son Jethro Lazenby is dead aged 30

Australian singer Nick Cave’s son Jethro Lazenby has died aged 30, just seven years after his 15-year-old half brother Arthur died in a cliff fall in England.

Nick Cave announces death of his son Jethro Lazenby

Nick Cave’s son Jethro has died, it has been confirmed - seven years after his 15-year-old half brother Arthur died in a cliff fall in England.

Jethro Lazenby, who lived in Melbourne, was 30.

The cause of death is yet to be announced.

Lazenby, a model and actor, had been released from prison two days before his death.

In a statement, Cave said: “With much sadness, I can confirm that my son, Jethro, has passed away,” according to The Sun.

“We would be grateful for family privacy at this time.”

Model Jethro Lazenby (R), at the age of 15, with other male models at East Sydney auditioning for Australian Fashion Week. Picture: Supplied
Model Jethro Lazenby (R), at the age of 15, with other male models at East Sydney auditioning for Australian Fashion Week. Picture: Supplied

Jethro was born to Beau Lazenby and Cave in 1991.

His family described him as a “beautiful, happy, loving boy”, but Jethro had faced personal problems for some years after struggling with his mental health.

He had roles in the 2007 film Corroboree and 2011’s My Little Princess, in which he was billed as Jethro Cave opposite French actress Isabelle Huppert.

However, in April he was jailed for assaulting his mother after an argument over cigarettes.

A court heard he kneed Ms Lazenby in the face causing bleeding and bruising. He admitted one count of unlawful assault and breaching court orders.

Other charges, including intentionally causing injury, were dropped.

Lawyer Sean Ghattas said Jethro suffered with schizophrenia during the hearing.

Lazenby was reportedly freed on bail just days before he died after a magistrate ordered he undergo substance abuse treatment.

Jethro Lazenby Cave modelling in Milan in 2009.
Jethro Lazenby Cave modelling in Milan in 2009.
Jethro at Australian Fashion Week in Sydney in 2006.
Jethro at Australian Fashion Week in Sydney in 2006.

He was also told to avoid contact with his mother for two years.

Lazenby previously said he didn’t meet his father until the age of seven, but adopted his father’s surname to boost his modelling career and continued to use it on social media profiles.

“Tbh [to be honest] it’s not as profitable as one would think,” he said about his surname on Instagram.

Fans of Nick Cave have spoken of their shock and sorrow on social media.

One said: “Nick Cave’s son Jethro has passed away.

“I can’t conceive of a person who maintains such faith in the world in the face of such personal tragedies. How terribly sad.”

Susie Bick and Nick Cave with their children Earl and Arthur in London in happier times. Picture: Nick Harvey/WireImage
Susie Bick and Nick Cave with their children Earl and Arthur in London in happier times. Picture: Nick Harvey/WireImage

Another said: “Nick Cave has just shared that his son Jethro has died. I am absolutely heartbroken for that family.”

Fiona Sturges wrote: “It seems that Nick Cave’s eldest son, Jethro, has died.

“My God, how much can one family endure? My heart breaks for them. RIP.”

Jethro is survived by his two half-brothers, Luke and Earl. Earl is Arthur’s twin.

It comes after Cave, best known as the frontman of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, was first struck by tragedy in July 2015 when his son Arthur died after falling from a cliff at Ovingdean, near Brighton.

Jethro Lazenby. Picture: Instagram
Jethro Lazenby. Picture: Instagram
Jethro Lazenby.
Jethro Lazenby.

The teen, who was the son of Cave and his wife Susie Bick, had plunged 60ft to his death after taking the hallucinogenic drug LSD, an inquest later heard.

Cave and Bick relocated to LA in the wake of Arthur’s death. However, they later returned to England.

“These days, though, we spend much of our time in London, in a tiny, secret, pink house, where we are mostly happy,” said the Australian singer.

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide call Lifeline (13 11 14), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).

Merryn Johns
Merryn JohnsFreelance reporter

Merryn Johns is a freelance journalist and magazine editor from Sydney who is based in New York City and joined News Corp's New York Bureau in 2017. She reports on a variety of subjects and is especially interested in international news, arts, and culture.

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/nick-caves-son-jethro-lazenby-is-dead-aged-31/news-story/460941e8cccab9e261d6ce9457a4d35c