It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lee Hayward, a beloved son, brother, and friend, who tragically took his own life on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, while traveling in Vanuatu, a remote Pacific island near Australia. Lee, who would have turned 35 in August, left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him, and his loss has shattered the hearts of his family and friends across the world.
Lee Hayward Obituary
Lee Hayward was born to Sharon and raised in the UK alongside his sister, Ella. Known for his compassionate nature, sharp wit, and adventurous soul, Lee lived a life full of passion. He found joy in the melodies of film music, the art of cooking, and the thrill of exploring new corners of the globe.
His intelligence and creativity shone brightly, touching the lives of those around him with effortless warmth and kindness. His best friend, Tom, described him perfectly: “He was kind, generous, hilariously witty, down to Earth and true to himself, intelligent, hugely creative and passionate. And above all, completely unique. I know I’ll never meet one like him again, he was an absolute one-off.”
For years, Lee bravely battled mental health struggles, often seeking solace in travel. In 2017, his family faced a terrifying ordeal when he went missing and fled to Indonesia. His mother, Sharon, tracked him down and brought him home, where they rallied around him with unwavering support.
With resilience and determination, Lee rebuilt his life, landing a well-paid job he loved, which fueled his dream of seeing the world. Just weeks before his passing, he shared a joyful video call with Sharon and Ella from Melbourne, Australia, excitedly planning his next stop in Vanuatu. Tragically, his inner pain remained hidden, a silent burden that overwhelmed him despite his outward strength.
The news of Lee Hayward’s passing has left his family in unimaginable grief, compounded by the logistical and financial challenges of bringing him home. His travel insurance did not cover repatriation, leaving Sharon and Ella with a staggering cost of over £50,000 just to transport him back to the UK, excluding funeral expenses.
With heavy hearts, they’ve made the difficult decision to hold his funeral in Vanuatu, where cremation services are unavailable due to limited facilities. The journey to Vanuatu requires at least two days of travel, and due to financial constraints and short notice, only Sharon and Ella can make the trip. The British Embassy’s Consular Officer is finalizing arrangements, with the service expected to occur within the next week.
Lee Hayward’s memory will live on in the countless lives he touched with his rare and beautiful spirit. His family asks for your thoughts, prayers, and support as they navigate this devastating loss and strive to give him the farewell he so deeply deserves.
Fundraising Support for Lee Hayward’s Family
In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, Sharon, Lee’s devoted mother, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the overwhelming costs of laying her son to rest. “My name is Sharon, and in my deepest desperation, I humbly ask for any support so that I can give my son the farewell he truly deserves,” she writes.
The unexpected loss of Lee Hayward in Vanuatu has left the family grappling with more than just grief, without repatriation coverage from his travel insurance, they face a £50,000 burden to bring him home, plus additional funeral expenses. Unable to bear this alone, they’ve had to plan his funeral abroad, far from the loved ones who wish to say goodbye.
Every contribution, no matter how small, will help Sharon and Ella honor Lee’s memory with the dignity and love he deserves. Your donation will ease the financial strain, allowing the family to focus on healing and finding closure during this unbearable time. “We are utterly heartbroken,” Sharon shares, “and all we want is to give Lee the farewell he deserves, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.”
Please consider donating to this GoFundMe campaign organized by Sharon and sharing it with others to help spread the word. Your kindness and generosity will mean the world to a family in their darkest hour. Thank you for standing with them as they bid farewell to a truly remarkable soul