Karina Foran, the wife of NRL great Kieran, and her extended family are in mourning after her 20-year-old son Logan died by suicide.
The tragic news was announced by Karina’s brother Justin Coulson, a prominent parenting expert, on Tuesday.
The Forans were on a weekend away in Melbourne when Karina’s parents called to inform her they had found their grandson in the room where he was staying at their home.
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Karina mourned Logan on social media on Tuesday with a video of the pair on a nature walk earlier this year.
“I would give anything my boy,” Karina wrote.
A second photo of Logan, a keen surfer who wanted to turn professional, followed: “My boy. My heart is not in my chest.”
Logan’s father Mat Steinwede, a motivational speaker, struggled through tears in a tribute on Thursday.
“I really didn’t want to do this video,” he said.
“When he was growing up we spent almost every day together. Surfing, training. They say it took a village to raise a kid, it took five villages to raise Logan. He was the best.”
Mat conceded “things got a little strained in the end”.
“He wanted to do life his own way. Very hard to watch, but you know. You think ‘could I have done things’ differently, could I… I know his mum thinks that as well,” the grieving father said.
“You wake up in tears, you go to bed in tears … people say he’s happy now but I don’t know. I think we could’ve made him pretty happy here too. They also say there’s a silver lining in anything – truly, I can’t see one.
“This morning I just wish I could say I love you one more time. But I can’t, and his mum can’t, and his grandparents.”
Logan’s death comes amid months of milestones for the Foran and Steinwede families.
Mat’s wife Tara gave birth to daughter Summer on September 18, while Logan celebrated his 20th birthday on October 1 and his first nephew will soon turn one.
The Forans celebrated their five-year wedding anniversary on October 20 and had been away this week celebrating following the end of Kieran’s rugby league season.
He played what could be his final international game in New Zealand’s win over Australia in the Pacific Championship final last Saturday.
Tributes flowed from Logan’s extensive family and friends following Justin’s announcement on Tuesday.
“Logan was the most energetic and delightful kid I know. Kind. Fun. Laughing all the time,” Justin said.
“My kids – his cousins – loved hanging out with Logan, and as his Uncle, I did too. We surfed together at Kirra last year when the surf was as good as it gets; well overhead and absolutely pumping. Surfing was his thing… so much so that he was close to pro.
“Logan was staying at my parents house the night he took his life. My mum and dad – his Nan and Pop – found him on Monday morning. Too late to help. Too late to do anything except scream ‘no’.
“Too late for him to hear them as they cried his name over and over again: ‘Logan! Logan! Logan! Logan! No, no, no, no, no!!!!’
“How do you hold the body of your grandson for the last time? That was what my parents did on Monday morning.
“How do you call your daughter, still celebrating a special weekend with her husband in Melbourne, and tell her that she needs to come home because her son – only 20 years old – has died? That was also what my parents did on Monday morning.
“And the ripple effect… as each new person discovers the awful truth. Logan is dead? How? Suicide? No! Not Logan! How can that be? He was so happy. No! Please no.
“Logan left a note. But the note won’t bring peace or relief to anyone… Because he’s dead.”
Surfing NSW shared a series of images of Logan on the water.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we say goodbye to NSW athlete Logan Steinwede,” the governing body said in a statement.
“Logan was a one-of-a-kind young man. His contagious laugh brought so much joy to all those around him.
“An incredibly talented surfer with a big heart – everything Logan did, he did it with passion.
“Our thoughts are with Logan’s family and friends at this devastating time. If anyone needs support during this time please reach out. It ain’t weak to speak.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
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