NRL star Kieran Foran wants to change the conversation around depression and suicide after the tragic death of his stepson

NRL star Kieran Foran and his wife, Karina have called attention to Australia's suicide crisis, spurred by the tragic death of their child and aspiring professional surfer Logan Steinwede. 

Logan, the stepson of Kieran and son of Karina, took his own life while in the company of his grandparents on the Central Coast of New South Wales, a mere 24 hours after the Forans celebrated a pinnacle in Kieran's rugby league career.

The family's off-season holiday to Melbourne, following the notable victory of New Zealand over the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championship final on November 4, was abruptly halted by the heart-wrenching news of Logan's tragic death.

Despite grappling with the agonising loss of a child and stepchild, the Forans are resolute in their determination to effect change. 

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, 8.6 Australians die every day by suicide with males around three times more likely to take their own life than females. 

Now the Forans want Logan's legacy to serve as a catalyst in the collective effort to safeguard Australia's vulnerable population from the scourge of suicide.

'We can't change what's happened, but we can change the future,' Kieran told News Corp.

'We need to be okay not being okay. It's not about needing to talk more, it's about being OK being completely vulnerable and broken. Saying 'I'm not okay' is not enough.

'In the moments we're extremely vulnerable, in hurt and pain and contemplating life and death, we need to ask for help.

'Everything can be fixed … apart from bringing someone back.'

 Karina remembered her son as a gentle soul who loved for the beach.

'Logan was mad, always mad,' Karina said.

'Fearless, fun, happy, uplifting … he would light up a room and anyone's world. He was high-energy and always busy.

'He was a big, tough boy. A bull at the gate. He played footy but surfing was the best thing for him.

'It was surfing before anything. He got pulled out of school if the swell was good. He lived for it and breathed it. He was in the water more than out of it.

'He got on a board when he was three and that's all he really did. He needed that because he was a person that needed to be kept busy.'

Kieran and Karina married in 2018, blending a family of eight children together, including Logan.

Kieran spoke of his connection with Logan, who followed him to the Gold Coast when he signed for the Titans from the Bulldogs.

'I saw lots of similarities,' Kieran said.

'He was very driven and dedicated, a by-product of his upbringing, and full of energy. He could throw me on his shoulders and run up the stairs. He was as strong as an ox.

'I missed the early years of his life, but for the past seven years I was part of he was nothing but a beautiful, happy kid that grew into a young man.'

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