The family of university student Fletcher Beasley have been inundated with support from friends, colleagues, and Brisbane residents following the 21-year-old’s sudden death overseas last week.
Long-time business partner of Beasley’s father, Matthew, and managing partner of Exant Advisory, John Kotzur, said news of the young man’s death had colleagues with sadness.
“We were all shocked and stunned and a little bit numbed by it because we all have children at a similar age and recognise what it’s going to be like for the Beasley family having a big hole that will never be filled,” Kotzur said.
Beasley was visiting London with friends, when in the early hours of June 25 he fell from a height at Victoria Embankment – a popular stretch along the northern bank of the River Thames which passes under the Waterloo Bridge.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said Beasley died at the scene, despite paramedics and specialist crews’ attempts to save him.
Beasley’s family had initially planned to hire a private investigator to probe the death, but confirmed on Thursday they would first let the London coroner hold an inquest.
The 21-year-old was working at a law firm and in his fourth year of a business and law degree at the Queensland University of Technology, having graduated from Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) in 2022.
Headmaster Andre Casson said Beasley was a valued member of the BBC community for almost a decade.
“The community mourns the loss of Fletcher and continue to support each other at this difficult time,” Casson said.
An online fundraiser launched on behalf of the Beasley family on Wednesday had amassed more than $110,000 by Friday.
A note from the family had initially indicated the funds would help the family and close friends rebuild their lives, bring Beasley’s body home and seek “justice”.
However, statement made later on Thursday indicated the Beasleys would also create a charitable trust named after the young man “to support others facing similarly difficult situations”.
“Fletcher always thought of others, and this is something we know he would want to be remembered for,” a statement from the fundraiser organisers said.
Kotzur said colleagues at Extant Advisory had the immediate reaction to lend a helping hand to the family, including financial support, but said he was equally “amazed” by the support shown by the wider community.
“I assume it’s some of the old BBC schoolboys, and they have been very, very impressive – watching how quickly they have responded,” Kotzur said.
“That’s a real testament to that community, and a real support to the Beasleys to know how much their son was loved and how supported their family is by the Brisbane community.”
A statement from parents Katrina and Matthew Beasley on Thursday remembered the young man as “deeply generous and community minded”.
“His loss leaves an immeasurable absence, but his warmth, kindness and love will continue to shape the lives of all who were lucky enough to know him,” the 21-year-old’s parents said.
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