Express’s son Russell Manser has broken his silence following the sudden death of his father.
Manser had served 23 years in prison in the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales for bank robberies before taking to TikTok to speak out about her trauma as a survivor of sexual abuse.
How did Russell Manser die?
Manser’s cause of death has not yet been made public, but it is understood he died on Saturday hours after posting a video on social media.
With over 130,000 followers on TikTok, Manser led Voice of a Survivor to help others who have experienced abuse find their purpose in life.
His son Ky Manser, 22, spoke openly about the shocking death, saying he “can’t explain the pain” he is going through.
“RIP dad until we meet again buddy,” he captioned a candid selfie of him with his dad.
Ky Manser reflects on the death of his father. Photo: Instagram
Russell Manser died Saturday. Image: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short
‘I’m sorry I haven’t been able to get back together with anyone, I’ve been spending time with my family and trying to come to terms with this with myself (for the moment).
“I just lost my best friend… and I’m trying to stay strong for my little brother.”
Manser regularly posted videos with his son in the hope that they would inspire others to start conversations about mental health and support options, especially for men.
He also hosted The Stick Up podcast, where he spoke to guests including Australian rapper Ay Huncho, former NRL star Braith Anasta and businessman Mark Bouris.
Manser’s friends flooded social media on Sunday, with many expressing their grief over the unexpected death.
Attorney Andrew Carpenter said he will miss his “dear friend,” who he met through his defense work.
‘We wanted to change the world. We wanted to save the world. You saved so many lives. You changed so many lives,” Carpenter said in a tribute posted to Instagram Sunday night.
‘You were my sounding board when I struggled with the horrendous issues of abuse.
‘I will always love you through the sands of time. As always you will be a hero of mine’
“Rest easy, my brother.”
Survivor advocate Harrison James said “the survivor community mourns the loss of a dear friend.”
“Despite our brief encounters, Russell’s impact was profound,” James said.
‘She turned her own struggles into a ray of hope and dedicated herself to supporting survivors of child sexual abuse.
‘His legacy transcends borders and offers comfort to those struggling with addiction, crime and mental illness.
‘Russell’s spirit will always inspire us to persevere, embrace transformation and stand in solidarity with each other.
‘Rest in power, brother. “My thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones, especially his son.”
In the latest video, Manser talked about Asian prison gangs with his followers.
