The son of former inmate Russell Manser has broken his silence following the sudden death of his father.
Mr Manser had spent 23 years in prison in Northern Territory, Queensland and NSW for bank robberies before turning to TikTok to speak about his trauma as a sexual abuse survivor.
How did Russell Manser die?
Mr Manser’s cause of death has yet to be made public, but it is understood he died on Saturday morning after posting a video on social media.
Mr. Manser amassed more than 130,000 on TikTok and hosted Voice of a Survivor to help others who have been victims of abuse find their purpose in life.
His 22-year-old son Ky Manser has opened up about the shocking death, saying he ‘can’t explain the pain’ he is going through.
“RIP dad until we meet again buddy,” he captioned a candid selfie of him with his dad.
Ky Manser thinks about the death of his father. Image: Instagram
Russell Manser died on Saturday. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short
‘I’m sorry I haven’t been able to contact anyone, I’ve been spending time with my family and trying to actually accept this with myself (at the moment).
“I just lost my best friend… and I’m trying to stay strong for my little brother.”
Mr Manser regularly posted videos together with his son, hoping it would inspire others to open conversations about mental health and support options, especially for men.
He also hosted the podcast The Stick Up, where he spoke to the likes of Australian rapper Ay Huncho, former NRL star Braith Anasta and businessman Mark Bouris.
Friends of Mr Manser flooded social media on Sunday, with many expressing their sadness at the unexpected death.
Attorney Andrew Carpenter said he will miss his “dear friend,” who he met through his advocacy work.
‘We wanted to change the world. We wanted to save the world. You have saved so many lives. You changed so many lives,” Mr Carpenter said in a tribute on Instagram on Sunday evening.
“You were my sounding board as I struggled with the horrific topics of abuse.
“I will always love you through the sands of time. ‘Cause you’ll always be a hero of mine
“Rest in peace, my brother.”
Survivor advocate Harrison James said the “survivor community is mourning the loss of a dear friend.”
“Despite our brief encounters, Russell’s impact was profound,” Mr James said.
‘He turned his own struggle into a beacon of hope and committed himself to supporting survivors of child sexual abuse.
“His legacy transcends boundaries and provides comfort to those battling addiction, crime and mental illness.
“Russell’s spirit will forever inspire us to persevere, embrace transformation and stand in solidarity with each other.
“Rest in power, brother. My thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones, especially his son.”
In the latest video, Mr Manser discussed Asian gangs in prison with his followers.