Tara Brown’s brother dies less than eight years after his sister was murdered by her partner
The brother of the murdered mother, Tara Brown, has died, causing great grief from friends and family.
Rikki Brown, a 30-year-old father of two from the Gold Coast, Queensland, died last week.
The cause of death has not been confirmed, but authorities said there are no suspicious circumstances.
His passing comes less than eight years after his sister Tara was killed by Bandidos associate and sergeant-at-arms Lionel Patea on September 8, 2015.
Ms Brown was thrown off a Gold Coast road before being bludgeoned to death with a steel fire hydrant cover while trapped in her car.
The nonprofit group Friends with Dignity paid tribute to Mr. Brown, saying in a statement that the “ripple effect of domestic violence is complex.”
Brown leaves behind his partner Sade Kerrison and his mother Natalie Hinton along with their two young children.
Rikki Brown, 30-year-old father of two (pictured), died last week. Authorities said the circumstances were not suspicious.
His sister Tara Brown was 24 years old when she was tragically murdered by her bikie enforcer boyfriend.
Friends have shared tributes to the popular Gold Coast local who helped her mother Natalie Hinton start the Tara Brown Foundation.
‘Rest in peace Rikki, no more pain. Our deepest condolences to our friend Natalie Hinton and her family at this very difficult time,” she read in the statement.
“Having lost her partner/husband Patrick 20 years ago and then daughter Tara Brown, Natalie has now lost her son Rikki.
‘The ripple effect of domestic violence is complex.’
The charity said upcoming birthdays and anniversaries associated with her sister and father could have “been a trigger”.
“We will never know, but what we do know is that the impact of domestic violence has long-term effects,” the statement said.
Mr. Brown was a talented footballer who had played rugby since his early school days.
Friend Lesi Tawaki wrote that he couldn’t believe his partner was gone, having caught up with him a few days ago.
‘On Saturday afternoon, after our game, we were having a beer and chatting about our game. And not once did I realize that something was wrong, ”he said.
‘I woke up this morning with tears in my eyes and mixed emotions, after finding out that you had left us. Not realizing that I said my last goodbye to you on Saturday night.
Both were senior members of the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights Rugby Union Club team.
In a statement, the club said it was deeply saddened to learn of Mr Brown’s passing.
‘Rikki was a part of our club for the better part of 25 years and was a much loved member of the playing group.
“Our love and thoughts are with Rikki’s mum Natalie, the Sade couple, children Patrick and Irie and the family at large during this time.
‘His smile, laugh and cheeky smile were contagious… A great man, father, son and friend has left this earth but will always be in our hearts.
Brown had been close to his sister before her tragic death on September 8, 2015.
Ms. Brown had left her three-year-old daughter Aria at the nursery the morning that Patea killed her.
Patea hit her with a steel fire hydrant cover weighing 7.9kg that he grabbed from the roadside before being sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.
Aria is now in the care of her grandmother, Mrs. Hinton.
Mr. Brown (left) was near Tara (right). Tara’s daughter, Aria, is now in the care of Mrs. Hinton.
Mr. Brown was a passionate soccer player who played throughout high school and for the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights senior team.
Both she and Mr. Brown started the Tara Brown Foundation for the Relief of Domestic Violence.
TO GoFundMe has been launched by friend Santana Morgan to help with funeral expenses and to support Mr. Brown’s young children.
‘Rikki was the most loving son, partner and father to his children and stepchildren.
‘The family appreciates all your kind words, hugs and support. I would like to ask everyone to support the Rikkis family at this time,” she said.
Friend Keen Taufale recalled how Mr Brown helped him when he moved from New Zealand as a student.
‘When I was 12 years old and started at Benowa Highschool. I struggled my first week without meeting anyone… All my teachers said I’d get along with this Rikki guy who was on vacation at the time.’
“When he came back, we had all the same classes and we hit it off right away.”
“Then I joined the rugby club he played for… We played in and out of center for a few seasons until I couldn’t keep up with him… We eventually hung up our boots and collected our golf clubs.”
The funeral will take place on March 22 at Southport Church of Christ on the Gold Coast.