The grieving family of Sydney man Francis Mossman have remembered him as the “warmest, most generous and loving” man after his tragic death at 33.
The 33-year-old gay man, known as Frankie, tragically died by suicide in Erskineville last weekend.
The New Zealand-born actor moved to Australia in 2012, and had a starring role in gay web series The Horizon. He also had roles in Kiwi soap Shortland Street and action series Spartacus.
Francis was a well-known figure in Sydney’s gay scene and his death sparked an outpouring of grief this week.
The man’s mourning family members have also paid tribute to him in a joint statement.
“We’re devastated by the loss of our beloved Francis Mossman,” they said.
“Francis was overwhelmingly kind, enthusiastic and so very caring. [He made] a positive impact on the lives of many who knew him.
“He had the most infectious smile along with the most brilliant sense of humour imaginable.
“He was forever a big kid [with] the warmest, most generous and loving heart that lit up wherever he went.
“Forever he will be loved dearly and equally missed.”
The 33-year-old’s family members requested privacy and also thanked “all those who loved and admired Francis for their kind words of love and support.”
Francis Mossman’s recent mental health struggle
Francis Mossman is survived by “his loving partner Lachlan, and their dogs Mulder, Scully and Piper (The X-Files lives on), his mother May, his father Reginald, and his younger brothers Jeremy and Laurence,” his family said.
They explained the “incredibly talented and studious” Francis studied performing arts in Auckland and was also a qualified personal trainer. However New South Wales’ coronavirus lockdown had sadly left him unable to work.
“The world we face right now is a weight on many shoulders, including those in the arts who’ve had their livelihoods heavily impacted by Covid lockdowns,” they said.
He also had recently started a postgraduate degree in counselling to help others who were suffering mental ill-health.
“Recently, Francis had been struggling with the resurfacing of old scars and trauma from high school,” they wrote.
“In his last post to the world, [he acknowledged this] was a pain he had endured from a young age.”
His last Instagram post was a photo of himself as a child. It’s captioned, “Who knew this boy would endure so much pain.”
Writing online, Francis Mossman’s grieving brothers also described him as “an energetic force”.
“He found a supportive and endearing family community in Sydney,” they wrote.
“Those lucky enough to have known him will sorely miss his smile and energetic presence.”
‘Gone way too soon’
Sydney’s Stonewall Hotel, where Francis had worked, earlier wrote on Facebook, “We miss you and know your smile will light up the sky.”
Former co-star Patrick James also wrote on Instagram earlier this week he was saddened by Frankie’s sudden passing.
“Shine bright… I was fortunate to work with and befriend [Francis] for a number of years on @thehorizonseries while he portrayed Stevie,” he wrote.
“You had a real talent of lighting up the room wherever you went. While your love for Hanson was debatable, your infectious smile was loveable.
“Gone way too soon. My condolences to friends and family. Check in with your friends, family, neighbours… even strangers.”
If you need someone to talk to, support is available from QLife on 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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