A “generous and kind” young Australian man who died after suffering a medical episode in his sleep on New Year’s Eve is being remembered for his community spirit.
Tom O’Neill, 22, died on New Year’s Eve after suffering a suspected epileptic seizure just hours after spending time with his family.
The Geelong, Victoria, horticulturist was diagnosed with epilepsy as a newborn after suffering a bout with meningitis.
Despite having a brain injury and a history of seizures, Mr. O’Neill did not let this stop him from helping others whenever he could.
“For the last few years he has been going to Melbourne, to the MCG, to volunteer as a firefighter ladder climber,” his brother Jack told Daily Mail Australia.
‘As a family we didn’t find out about that until after (his death).
“He wasn’t someone who really talked too much about it, or expected any kind of praise or pat on the back or anything like that.”
While Mr O’Neill’s health problems inspired him to volunteer at the local branch of the Make A Wish Foundation, it also meant he struggled socially.
Tom O’Neill, 22, died on New Year’s Eve after suffering a suspected seizure just hours after spending time with his family (Mr O’Neill is pictured after a marathon)
Despite having a brain injury and a history of seizures, Mr O’Neill (pictured) did not let this stop him from helping others whenever he could.
But soon after his passing, friends he had made online from around the world shared stories of his kindness to his grieving family.
Jack, the eldest of O’Neill’s 11 siblings, said his brother found it difficult to socialize and was often “on the sidelines and watching” because of his health problems.
But he appreciated the friends he had and drove several hours to check on a colleague in rural Victoria who had recently been having a tough time.
“It highlights the type of friend he was to many and is the type of stories we are starting to see come to light now, given that he was a very private person.
“It’s about now that we’re finding out about some of these things he did without asking for recognition or expecting anything in return,” Jack said.
TO GoFundMe launched to cover the costs of O’Neill’s funeral said those who shared stories of their generosity were helping his family during a devastating time.
“His family is supported by the knowledge that Tom’s generosity and kindness will be felt by all who knew him long after his time with us,” the fundraiser reads.
“He will be deeply missed by his parents, siblings, friends and co-workers, who sincerely thank them for their kindness and support during this difficult time.”
The fundraiser has already raised more than $17,000 in just over three days and O’Neill’s siblings shared tributes to the 22-year-old on social media.
O’Neill developed epilepsy as a child after a bout with meningitis, prompting him to volunteer in his running community and at the Make A Wish Foundation.
‘Taken too soon Tom, you achieved so much in such a short time and we love you so much. Fly high,” wrote his brother Harry.
A family friend said she was one of the last people to see Mr O’Neill at his birthday dinner the night before.
I made a big deal out of him for showing up for my little one. “I hugged her goodbye, never imagining that it would be the last time I would see her beautiful smile,” he wrote.
‘Everyone, please understand that you never know which goodbye might be your last. Keep your loved ones close.’
He added that the 22-year-old is “up there, looking down (at his family), spreading his angel wings of protection.”