08.05 pm, Wednesday February 10 2010

Idol star Kereama found dead

11:00 AEST Mon Oct 6 2008
By ninemsn staff
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The family of former Australian Idol finalist Levi Kereama, who died after plunging off a hotel balcony in Brisbane, have denied the 27-year-old committed suicide.

In a posting on behalf of the family, on the MySpace blog of Kereama's band, reports the young singer was depressed were also disputed.

"Investigations have revealed the tragic loss of Levi was an accident," the post read.

"Our beloved Former Australian Idol contestant Levi Kereama did not leap to his death, as reported," the post said.

"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."

It is not clear what "investigations" the family were referring to.

When contacted by ninemsn this morning, a spokesperson for Queensland Police said they were still treating Kereama's death on Saturday night as non-suspicious and a report was being prepared for the coroner.

Kereama rose to fame as a baby-faced contestant in the first series of the popular reality TV show in 2003. He made the final 12 through a wildcard entry, but was eliminated in sixth place.

His music career continued and he scored a record contract, releasing several singles in 2004, and was part of a family group Lethbridge, now known as The Bridge, with brothers Michael and Ezra.

The night he died, Kereama had attended the Parklife music festival held in Brisbane's Botanic Gardens.

When he fell, hotel guests mistakenly believed they had seen furniture being thrown from the building.

"We thought it was like a computer desk or a coffee table or something being thrown out the window," Grace Pearce told National Nine News yesterday.

Four Facebook groups have been set up in memory of the singer, with a combined total of nearly 400 members as of this morning.

Group member Kamantha Naidoo paid tribute to Kereama's singing talents.

"He truly had a gift, and myself and everyone I know were touched by his amazing voice and ability to make people smile," she wrote on the wall of the group "Levi Kereama, rest in peace".

If you need support or information about suicide prevention contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).

 
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