A young man died a week after he was allegedly beaten like a coward while walking home after a night out.
Cameron Duce, 22, was allegedly knocked down by an 18-year-old on The Esplanade in Burleigh Heads on Queensland’s Gold Coast in the early hours of September 22.
His family revealed on Saturday that Mr Duce’s head injuries were too serious and there was nothing more medical staff at Gold Coast University Hospital could do.
Duce’s father, Chris Duce, said that for seven days he was in the ICU with his son, who “received the best care possible” from doctors who provided “every medical and pharmacological intervention available.”
“Yesterday we were informed that Cameron had no chance of recovery and the family decided to let our beautiful boy Cameron pass away peacefully in his own time,” Chris wrote.
“We were lucky to have time to say goodbye to everyone, and his long procession of very good colleagues, as well as all his family and close relatives had the opportunity to come and say goodbye.”
Chris said the love shown by those close to his son had been “heartwarming” for the family.
“But nothing will ever replace the huge void left in our lives with the passing of our beautiful son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and one of the best people anyone could have called a partner,” he continued.
Cameron Duce died after an alleged cowardly punch while in Burleigh Heads with friends a week ago.
‘He was the son I never deserved, much better than me in many ways.
“We will all cherish the years we spent with Cameron and regret the years we will never be able to spend with him, without being able to watch him grow further and become the fine young man he had already become.
‘Our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same. The world has lost one of the genuinely good people who brought joy, laughter and love to everyone he met.
‘Rest in peace my beautiful son, our beautiful boy. We love you very much and we already miss you very much. Go and be the Angel you already were.
‘Fly high, Cammy, boy, we all love you and miss you so much. Forever 22.’
Cameron Duce was allegedly punched before hitting his head on the ground on September 22.
Police believe Cameron was walking home alone when the alleged assault occurred.
“My understanding is that he (Cameron) had been out at night, he was allegedly assaulted while leaving the police station, he fell, hit his head and that caused the fatal injuries at the end of the day,” Queensland Police said. Interim Superintendent Scott Knowles said Monday.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to his family and our investigators will work hard to bring the person who (allegedly) did this to justice.
The 18-year-old from Robina has been charged with unlawful beating causing death.
He will appear at Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Police have appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident on September 22 or has CCTV footage of it to come forward.
Chris Duce, Cameron’s father, has written a long Facebook post mourning his ‘beautiful son’