This post discusses suicide, and may be triggering for some readers.
The head of the University of Queensland’s Liberal National Club, Wilson Gavin, has died, according to reports.
Gavin, who was at the centre of a protest at a Drag Queen Storytime event in Brisbane yesterday, reportedly passed away this morning.
It is understood his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Overnight, footage of the UQ Liberal National Club storming a drag queen storytelling event at Brisbane Square Library was shared widely online.
In the video, roughly 15 to 20 protesters, including 21-year-old Gavin, were seen chanting “drag queens are not for kids” as they ignored requests from security to exit the library.
When the incident occurred, children and their parents had been listening to drag queen ‘Diamond’ reading.
Last night, the video of the incident became the top trending topic of Twitter, as the faces of the Liberal National Club members were shared widely online.
As the incident went viral, the backlash was fierce.
On social media, Gavin and other members of the group were labelled “ugly” and “twisted” as they were likened to Nazis.
According to the ABC, Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington refused to respond to the reports in a press conference earlier today.
“In relation to the unconfirmed reports relating to a young man, relating to the out of respect for the family, I won’t be making any comments on the matter,” she said.
“I think today is a day to think about a bit of compassion and respect for people.”
A public tribute to UQ LNP protester Wilson Gavin from one of his friends.
He was one of us, and I wish he was still here to find happiness. Hurt people hurt people. pic.twitter.com/CpCi8FhHwZ
— Sally Rugg (@sallyrugg) January 13, 2020