Levi Kereama’s Family Deny Claims The Singer Committed Suicide

When former Australian Idol star Levi Kereama fell to his death from a Brisbane hotel balcony over the weekend, newspaper reports indicated he had committed suicide, claiming Levi had been suffering from depression and finishing their stories (as we did) with contact details for support services like Lifeline and SANE Helpline.

But Levi’s family have now spoken out against claims the singer took his own life.

From TheMusic.com.au:

(Kereama’s) family has angrily denied media reports that he had taken his life, and had been depressed.

In a blog on the group’s website it said, “Amid false reports and exaggerated stories, on behalf of the Kereama family, we would like to set the record straight. Our beloved former Australian Idol contestant Levi Kereama did not leap to has his death, as reported. Investigations have revealed the tragic loss of Levi was an accident.

“Furthermore we would clearly like to clarify, Levi was not suffering depression. He was a happy, outgoing, lively and loving friend, brother, son, uncle and cousin. He loved being with friends, fulfilling his passion of music, and making people laugh. He is remembered as a happy spirit who enjoyed life.”

However, it did not disclose what these investigations were. As it is, media reported contradictory statements from police. One claimed his death was non-suspicious, another claimed it was suicide.

According to NineMSN, another guest staying at the hotel where Levi died believes it’s quite possible the singer’s death was an accident.

Ben Shaw, who was staying at Brisbane’s Oaks Felix Hotel where Kereama’s body was found on Saturday night, said it was possible the 27-year-old singer fell tragically from the 20th floor of the hotel after losing his balance while sitting on the balcony.

“It is a glass wall with an aluminium capping on it,” the Daily Telegraph reported Mr Shaw as saying. “It is really thin. You couldn’t stand on it. You wouldn’t be able to leap off.”

There will be a public funeral on Thursday for Levi in Brisbane.

MORE:
Christie’s Music News – Tuesday 7th October, 2008 (The Music.com.au)
Levi ‘may have fallen off thin balcony’
Former Australian Idol Contestant Levi Kereama Dies After Falling From Hotel Balcony In Brisbane (Defamer Australia)