A builder fighting for his life after a confrontation with police outside a convenience store has died.
Luke Briggs, 35, was approached by two police officers in the car park of a 7-Eleven in Hoppers Crossing, in Melbourne’s west, in the early hours of July 15.
Officers attempted to speak to the builder about a traffic issue when he allegedly became aggressive and fought with police.
Paramedics were called after Mr Briggs became unresponsive during the incident and was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.
He spent eight days in an intensive care car before dying surrounded by his heartbroken family on Tuesday night after being taken off life support.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic passing of our beloved Luke. He died wearing his favourite Bunnings jumper, with a pint by his side and surrounded by his extended family,” the family said in a statement to The Age.
“We could not be more heartbroken by the tragic events we have endured over the past nine days and we hope that the ongoing investigation will provide the answers we are seeking.”
The two police officers who made the arrest were wearing body cameras, but Victoria Police have not yet released the footage.
Luke Briggs (pictured with his sister Catherine) was surrounded by his family after being taken off life support on Tuesday.
The builder (pictured) collapsed during the arrest and was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but died on Tuesday afternoon.
Police have also not detailed what happened when they arrested Mr Briggs.
The 35-year-old’s death will now be the subject of a coroner’s inquest, with investigations still ongoing by both the homicide squad and the Professional Standards Command.
Victoria Police confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Briggs had died.
“The man fell unconscious during his arrest and police performed CPR on him and called for medical assistance. He was then taken to hospital.”
The two officers from the northwest metropolitan region were suspended on Monday.
Officers attempted to speak to the builder about a traffic issue when he allegedly became physically aggressive and fought with police (pictured is the scene of the incident)
Mr Briggs (pictured in hospital) spent eight days in a coma.
The police officer and the sergeant were questioned by a homicide detective on Friday afternoon. No charges have been filed against them.
Mr Briggs died a day after his family spoke openly of their unspeakable pain and suffering.
“Seeing Luke in such a fragile state is heartbreaking and our thoughts are focused solely on spending our last precious days with him,” read a statement released Monday.
‘We are cooperating with the authorities, who are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
We trust that a thorough and fair investigation will reveal the truth of what happened.
The family has appointed Robinson Gill principal Jeremy King as their attorney, who on Monday raised many unanswered questions about the investigation, including why it took more than a week to suspend the officers involved.
“Something has gone terribly wrong here. A young man should not end up in intensive care, clinging to life after an encounter with police,” King told The Age.
Mr King also wanted to know when the investigation began, whether officers had been questioned immediately and whether evidence had been preserved.
Luke Briggs, 35 (pictured), was approached by two police officers in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Hoppers Crossing on July 15.
Victoria Police declined to comment on why it took a week to take action against the two officers.
The tragedy comes just weeks after a 27-year-old man died while being arrested by Victoria Police officers in Kyneton, inland Victoria.
In this case, it is understood that the deceased ingested a substance believed to be cyanide.
Five police officers who were at the home were taken to hospital as a precaution.
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