Boxing legend Danny Green reveals a second tragedy has struck family who lost their son to a cocaine-fuelled coward punch attack
- Green became close friends with the family after the tragedy
- Collaborated on his Stop the Coward Punch campaign
- A new tragedy has struck the grieving family
Australian boxing champion Danny Green has revealed that tragic news has hit his close friends, the Walker family, after they lost their son to a cowardly punch in 2017.
The family’s 22-year-old son, Jaiden Walker, was killed with a single punch outside Melbourne’s Cherry Bar.
Richard Vincec, 26, who had been drinking and using cocaine, angrily demanded a handshake from Walker before punching him.
Walker fell and suffered a fractured skull – and despite immediate assistance from two passing doctors, he never regained consciousness.
The Victorian Supreme Court sentenced Vincec to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
“As a father, I could never imagine the pain I have caused your family,” Vincec wrote to Jaiden’s family.
“I wish I could ask for forgiveness, but I will never forgive myself.”
Danny Green (far right) befriended the Walker family after their son Jaiden died. From left to right: Ethan, Heidi and Jon
Jaiden Walker was murdered in 2017 after a man who had been drinking and using cocaine punched him in a Melbourne bar.
Jon kept a night vigil next to 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 short 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 to a coward’s blow. A terrible situation.’
Green became close to the Walker family through his Stop the Coward Punch Campaign, which he started in 2000.
‘A week later [Jaiden] was over, 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 was contacting us under such incredibly cruel circumstances.
“We were having our annual fundraiser that week and he said he wanted to be part of it.
“Jon gave a speech at that fundraiser that had everyone in that big room in tears.
‘Everyone was touched and influenced by his words. I had tears streaming down my face. I’m getting emotional writing this. It was one of the bravest moments I’ve ever experienced.”
Richard Vincec (pictured, center, 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 help families struggling with loss.
Green said Jon was still working with the foundation in his final weeks, despite his health problems.
“Jon continued to work with the amazing team until he recently became ill, and sadly passed away, cared for by his loving partner Heidi and son Ethan, both equally courageous and resilient,” said Green.
“The universe has lost a truly remarkable, decent and courageous man.
“Your impact and your commitment to the campaign to save others from the same terrible fate that your son and your family suffered will never be forgotten and have absolutely saved lives.
‘You are a true inspiration and a true hero. All like the campaign, salute Jon.
“Our thoughts are with Heidi and Ethan. Now you can hug your beautiful boy again. See you on the other side, bud. Until then, rest in peace.”