The suicide of a young surfer who died just a month after celebrating his 20th birthday has broken the hearts of his family, which includes a TV personality uncle, motivational speaker father and football star stepfather Kieran Foran.
Logan Steinwede, who dreamed of becoming a professional surfer since he was young, was discovered by his grandparents on Monday morning.
Her uncle, parenting expert and television host Dr. Justin Coulson, announced her death Tuesday in a heartbreaking 900-word message on social media.
“Logan was living with my parents the night he killed himself. My mother and father – his grandmother and father – found him Monday morning,” Dr Coulson wrote.
“Too late to help.” Too late to do anything but shout “No”.
Logan Steinwede, 20, who dreamed of becoming a professional surfer since a young age, was discovered by his grandparents on Monday morning after committing suicide (photo with his mother Karina Foran)
Pictured: Logan and his mother in an Instagram post she shared on her last birthday last month
“Too late for him to hear them as they screamed his name over and over: “Logan! Logan! Logan! Logan!” “No no No No No!!!!”.’
Logan’s mother Karina – who is Dr Coulson’s sister – was in Melbourne for a celebratory weekend with her husband – and Logan’s stepfather – Gold Coast Titans halfback Kieran Foran, when she learned the devastating news.
Karina, who works as a hairstylist and fitness instructor, shared a video on Tuesday of her and her late son Logan arm in arm during a hike in June this year.
Dr Coulson (pictured), who hosts Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, said his nephew was “the most energetic and charming child I know”. Kind. Amusing. Laugh all the time’
“I’d give anything, boy,” she captioned the heartbreaking post.
She then shared a photo of Logan carrying a surfboard on a beach, writing: “Boy. My heart is not in my chest.
Karina married Foran in 2018 after a year of dating, having divorced Logan’s father, Mat, several years before.
Mat was a homeless ex-drug addict on Australia’s most wanted list before meeting Karina and turning his life around by forging a multi-million dollar career as a real estate agent.
Logan’s father, who now gives motivational talks and hosts the 31 Minute podcast, shared three sons with Karina before their split.
Both have children from other relationships.
Mat’s new wife Tara gave birth of a baby girl – Logan’s half-sister – just six weeks ago.
Logan’s father had nurtured his talent for surfing from a young age, which saw him on the verge of signing a pro-contract before his tragic death.
A profile on X, formerly Twitter, created in 2011, reveals that Logan had a long-held ambition to pursue a career as a professional surfer.
“My name is Logan and I’m 8 years old. I’m going to become a professional surfer,” the profile bio reads.
“My goal is to be sponsored by Hurley, Red Bull and Dylan. I train every day with my dad.
Logan’s mother married NRL superstar Kieran Foran in 2018 after a year of dating (pictured)
Logan is pictured far left on the couple’s wedding day
On Wednesday, Logan’s brother Jaxson shared a photo of himself smiling in the surf.
“Tell your family you love them, never go to bed on bad terms and just love each other, you never know when you will have your last conversation with someone,” Jaxson wrote.
Dr Coulson, who hosts Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, revealed Logan left a message.
“But this note won’t bring anyone peace or relief… Because he’s dead,” Dr. Coulson said.
He wrote movingly and honestly about how he “wasn’t doing very well.”
” My heart is broken. Broken for Logan. But also for his parents, his brothers and sisters, and for my parents,” he wrote.
But the parenting expert didn’t ask for sympathy, instead calling on people to reach out to those who might be struggling.
“There are nine suicides every day in Australia,” he wrote. “Seven of these nine daily suicides are men. Two of these nine are women.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds.
Logan’s father Mat (pictured) was a homeless former drug addict on Australia’s most wanted list before meeting Karina and turning his life around, forging a multi-million dollar career as a as a real estate agent. He is now a motivational speaker and podcaster
Logan and his father are pictured together in a YouTube video recorded in 2019 in which he outlines his desire to one day become a professional surfer.
Dr Coulson highlighted what can be done to help, saying strong social connections reduce the risk of suicide.
“Please, please, please, PLEASE be kind. Be compassionate. Be nice. Be inclusive. Be supportive. Be less critical and judgmental and more of a cheerleader,” Dr. Coulson said.
“Don’t be on your child’s back (or your partner’s/spouse’s back). Instead, make sure you support them. Love them and make sure they know it. They need to know that they matter.
Dr Coulson also said people should stop saying “I have no words” when faced with tragic news, even if the use of the phrase is well-intentioned.
Last week on his Happy Families podcast, he spoke with Colin Campbell, the author of a book called Finding the Words, which he wrote after his two teenage children died in a car accident.
In harsh words on social media, Dr Coulson said: “My nephew died on Sunday evening. He committed suicide. Logan is pictured
The parenting expert called on people to reach out to those who may be struggling. Logan’s mother shared the photo above with the caption: “My boy. My heart is not in my chest’
“Colin points out that when we say ‘there are no words’ we are, in a sense, reducing the person’s life to nothing.
“We must find the words, because the words we find tell the stories of those we love. And these stories help us celebrate their lives and our love for them,” he said.
Dr Coulson advised people to share their stories, feel their pain and value their experiences.
‘Find. THE. Words. They are there. And we have to share them,” he said.
He added: “Everyone needs someone to talk to. Everyone needs to know that they matter. Everyone needs to feel seen, heard and valued.
His uncle remembers Logan (pictured) as “the most energetic and charming kid I knew.” Kind. Amusing. Laugh all the time’
Dr. Coulson then made what he considered a simple point.
“If you are struggling, or if someone close to you is struggling, talk to someone. A parent. A friend. Call Lifeline. Contact Beyond Blue, Gotcha4Life or the Movember Foundation (because, yes… Logan died during a month dedicated to men’s mental health: Movember).
“Talk with a local church leader, a trusted neighbor, someone. Reach. Tell people they matter.
He ended his powerful message about suicide, grief and the power of speaking by saying: “I miss Logan. Please hug your children. Kiss your husband/wife/spouse/partner.
“And share this message and this love with everyone who needs to know how much they matter.”
Dr Coulson politely declined to comment further when approached by Daily Mail Australia.
Logan’s parents have been contacted for comment.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide call-back service: 1300 659 467
Mensline Australia: 1300 789 987
Children’s helpline: 1800 55 1800
