- Green became close friends with the family after the tragedy.
- They worked together on their Stop the Coward Punch campaign.
- A new tragedy has struck the grieving family
Australian boxing champion Danny Green has revealed the tragic news has hit his good friends, the Walker family, after they lost their son in a cowardly punch attack in 2017.
The family’s son, Jaiden Walker, 22, was killed with a single punch outside the Cherry Bar in Melbourne.
Richard Vincec, 26, who had been drinking and using cocaine, angrily demanded a handshake from Walker before punching him.
Walker fell, suffered a fractured skull and, despite receiving immediate assistance from two passing doctors, never regained consciousness.
The Supreme Court of Victoria sentenced Vincec to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
“As a father, I could never imagine the pain I have put your family through,” Vincec wrote to Jaiden’s family.
“I wish I could ask for forgiveness, but I will never forgive myself.”
Danny Green (far right) became friends with the Walker family after the death of his son Jaiden. From left to right: Ethan, Heidi and Jon.
Jaiden Walker was murdered after he was beaten in a Melbourne bar in 2017 by a man who had been drinking and using cocaine.
Jon kept a bedside vigil alongside Jaiden (pictured), who suffered a fractured skull but never regained consciousness.
Now, the Walker family has been hit by new tragedy after Jaiden’s father, Jon, died after a brief illness.
“It is with great sadness that we say rest in peace to the incredible man, Jon Walker,” Green posted on Instagram.
‘Jon and Heidi and their son Ethan tragically lost their beloved son and brother Jaiden in a Cowards Punch. A horrible situation.’
Green became close to the Walker family through his Stop the Coward Punch campaign, which he started in 2000.
“A week after (Jaiden) passed away, the immensely strong Jon contacted me and asked what he could do to help my Coward Punch campaign,” Green posted.
‘We couldn’t believe he would approach us in such incredibly brutal circumstances.
‘We were holding our annual fundraiser that week and he said he wanted to be a part of it.
‘Jon gave a speech at that fundraiser that made everyone in that big room cry.
‘Each and every person was moved and affected by his words. I had tears streaming down my face. I get excited writing this. “It was one of the bravest moments I have ever witnessed.”
Richard Vincec (pictured, centre, wearing sunglasses) was sentenced to eight years in prison with a minimum of five years after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
In the seven years since Jaiden’s death, Jon has worked regularly with Green and the Stop the Coward Punch campaign to raise awareness, help prevent further tragedies and support families struggling to cope with the loss.
Green said Jon was still working with the foundation in his final weeks, despite his health battle.
“Jon continued to work with this incredible team until he recently fell ill and sadly passed away, cared for by his beloved partner Heidi and son Ethan, both equally brave and resilient,” Green posted.
‘The universe has lost a truly remarkable, decent and brave man.
‘His impact and work with the campaign trying to save others from the same horrendous fate that his son and family suffered will never be forgotten and he has completely saved lives.
‘You are a true inspiration and a true hero. Everyone who was in the campaign greets you Jon.
‘Our thoughts are with Heidi and Ethan. Now you can hug your beautiful child once again. See you on the other side, friend. Until then, rest in peace.”
