The head of a university Liberal National Club that surrounded and shouted at drag queens reading to children in a Brisbane City Council Library has died.
UQ Liberal National Club president Wilson Gavin was one of a group of people who stormed the Drag Queen Storytime event.
The ABC understands he took his own life this morning.
video of the protest posted on social media, Mr Gavin could be seen shouting "drag queens are not for kids".
The actions of the UQ Liberal National Club (UQLNC) were swiftly condemned on social media by fellow students, advocates and federal MPs its Facebook page has received a barrage of comments.
The Liberal National Party distanced itself from the UQLNC, which was disaffiliated in December.
In a press conference earlier today, Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said she would not comment on the reports of Mr Gavin's death.
"In relation to the unconfirmed reports relating to a young man, out of respect for the family I won't be making any comments on this matter," she said.
"I think today is a day to think about a bit of compassion and respect for people."
The storytelling event was organised by Rainbow Families Queensland who released a statement saying they were "deeply saddened" by the news.
"Rainbow Families Queensland were informed earlier today that the leader of yesterday's drag Storytime protest took his own life this morning," the statement said.
"We are deeply saddened by this news and extend our sympathies to his family."
Drag queen Diamond Good-Rim, who participated in the Drag Queen Storytime event, said she was "deeply saddened from the news today". "I'd really like to give my condolences and sympathy to the family and friends," she said.
"The support that I have received today on social media has been phenomenal and I thank everyone for their support and kind words."
A UQ spokesperson said its priority was providing support for students and staff impacted by what happened.
"The university understands that the events of the past two days are very distressing for many people," the spokesperson said.
"Mutual respect and diversity are core values of the university, and we hope that everyone shows consideration for those affected during the difficult days ahead."
Well, this story was tonal whiplash. I only learned about the protest a few hours ago.
According to the linked article, Wilson Gavin also spoke on behalf of the Australian Monarchists Party. I think his politics were abhorrent, and yesterday's actions were total shit. But I don't think he deserved to die, and I feel extremely bad for his family. Having to bury a family member like that is fucking awful - especially someone who's this young.
Surprising, but heartening, is the fact that the group he slandered yesterday extended their well-wishes to the family of the man. I think it rings true that even with a garbage streak to his behavior, this death is senseless and traumatic to his family and they deserve whatever support they can get right now.
In the wake of his death, I can't help but wonder if yesterday's actions were a cry for help - an extreme action taken by a person with nothing left to lose. But I can't comment on the circumstances with any sort of objectivity, and even on my best day I would never have been able to affect this outcome through the sheer force of the distance between us.
So that's how this is at the moment.
---
Now Playing: Borderlands 2, Skyrim, Assassin's Creed