Jacob had begun to experience depression towards the end of high school, but a string of events – losing his apprenticeship, driver’s licence and relationship, and the use of the synthetic drug Kronic – would together prove a fatal turning point for the young man. 

The loss of their middle brother is clearly still deeply felt by Josh and Liam, but they have been determined to turn around the tragedy – they say the gift of Jacob’s death is a deeper appreciation of the importance of “kindness” to others.

“It has certainly made me more sensitive when it comes to matters of mental health,” Liam said.

“Now that we have seen what happened to Jacob, he was the most outgoing, cheeky and funny guy.

“A few times we saw him broken and cracked apart, coming up to when he took his own life.

“Now when I see that in other people, I am a lot more aware of it.”

Josh said the experience has taught him to “check-in” with friends and family and the importance of reaching out when you are feeling down. 

To commemorate their brother’s life, on the day that would have been Jacob’s 25th birthday, Liam and Josh had his name tattooed to their right arms. They have since had one another’s names tattooed to their left arms – this is to remind them of the strength they draw from each other. 

The brother’s run the Stag and Hunter’s Stagwiz trivia night, where each month’s takings are donated to a charity. 

Josh said their brother’s death had influenced the way they run Stagwiz.

“We make it a place where everyone is accepted and can be themselves,” Josh said. 

This month’s proceeds will be donated to Beyondblue. 

Stagwiz is on every Tuesday night at 6.30pm. 

Lifeline: 131 114

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636