April 7th 2024.
As the 16th anniversary of his untimely passing approached, Kirsten O'Brien took a moment to remember her dear friend and co-star, Mark Speight. The two had worked together on the beloved children's TV show SMart, where they quickly became fan favorites with their playful banter and genuine friendship. But tragically, Speight's life was cut short in April of 2008 when he died by suicide at the young age of 42.
The news of his death shook the nation, especially those who had grown up watching him on SMart. Speight had been one of the first presenters on the show, and had dedicated 14 years of his life to entertaining and inspiring children with his art skills. Kirsten, who had joined the show in the late nineties, shared a heartfelt tribute on April 7th, accompanied by a throwback photo of the two of them goofing around on set.
"He was such a funny and loved man," Kirsten wrote, reflecting on her memories of working with Speight. Her post on social media was met with an outpouring of love and support from fans, who shared their own fond memories of the presenter. "He is well remembered. My thoughts are with you and those who knew and loved him," wrote one fan, while another added, "Mark and Natasha's story has always stayed with me...thoughts to their families."
Unfortunately, Speight's personal life was plagued with tragedy. Just months before his death, he had found his girlfriend, Natasha Collins, dead in their London flat. He was later arrested on suspicion of her murder, but was never charged with a crime. An inquest determined that Collins had died from a drug overdose and severe burns, ruling her death as a "misadventure."
The weight of losing his partner and being accused of her death took a toll on Speight, ultimately leading to his own tragic end. In April 2008, he was reported missing and later found to have died by suicide near Paddington station. Two suicide notes were discovered, revealing the pain and struggles that Speight had been facing.
The news of Speight's passing shocked and saddened the nation, but also highlighted the importance of mental health and seeking help in times of need. To offer support to those who may be struggling, Kirsten ended her tribute by sharing resources for those in need. "Need support? For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans helpline or visit their website," she wrote. She also encouraged young people to reach out to PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK, who offer 24/7 support through their HOPELINK platform.
As the years go by, Mark Speight may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on through the memories of those who loved and admired him. His passion for art and his kind nature will always be remembered, and his story serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed.
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