An Australian man who was violently attacked while returning home after a night out has lost his fight for life in hospital, prompting an outpouring of tributes from family and friends.
Andrew Truman, 44, was walking along Elizabeth Street in Melbourne’s financial district when he was confronted and brutally attacked outside McDonald’s on Wednesday night.
He was rushed to hospital with life-threatening head injuries, where he died Saturday night.
His heartbroken family has remembered Truman as a “vibrant, independent and courageous man” who “wasn’t afraid to be himself.”
“He was a wonderful and fierce advocate for the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man,” his statement to the Herald of the sun read.
‘He didn’t hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or sing karaoke. May we all have at least an ounce of its flavor.’
The family also thanked those who stopped to help Mr Truman, paramedics, medical staff and Victoria Police officers.
He was also a passionate supporter of the Western Bulldogs AFL and also played the code.
Andrew Truman, 44, died after being hit in the head in Melbourne’s CBD.
Friends and family remembered him as a “vibrant” man who loved his football clubs.
Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club said the death of its life member was a “deeply sad day”.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the sudden passing of Andrew ‘Chewie’ Truman,” President Paul Barrett wrote in a statement to members.
‘Chewie was a top player and a life member of our great club. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Truman family at this time.”
Williamstown Seagulls FIDA Football Club also expressed its condolences.
“His enthusiasm for football, and especially the Western Bulldogs, was infectious and he was always up for a friendly chat. “Let’s go away with the wind,” the club posted.
Family friend Len Sherrott said Truman “was always happy being himself” and “enjoyed the company of his friends around him.”
Truman frequented the Clocks at Flinders pub, where he sang along with the musicians as they played.
Before the attack, Truman had supposedly been in the pub listening to a band and drinking a glass of milk.
Friends said Truman was “always happy being himself” and enjoyed singing in the pub.
Police released images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with Truman’s death.
Detectives attached to the Homicide Squad have released images of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the incident.
They hope to speak to Todd Menegaldo, who frequents Melbourne’s CBD.
“Detectives have conducted an extensive search over the past several days in an attempt to locate Menegaldo,” the statement read.
Detectives described Mr Menegaldo as between 180 and 185cm tall and with a slim build.
He is also nicknamed ‘Rooster’ and owns a black and white Staffordshire terrier cross.
Menegaldo was last seen wearing a purple zip-up sweater, dark jeans and a yellow beanie.
Anyone who sees Menegaldo is urged not to approach him and contact triple-0 immediately.