- Alex Robinson died in a Melbourne apartment in May
- He was reportedly struggling with size when he lost consciousness
- Quinn McPherson was charged with manslaughter this week
A 20-year-old man died during an boys’ trip to Melbourne in an alleged wrestling match gone wrong – with his friend now facing charges over his death.
Alex Robinson, from Adelaide, left for Melbourne with three friends in May and died in an apartment on La Trobe Street.
Police allege Robinson and a friend were wrestling on May 13 when he lost consciousness. He could no longer be resuscitated by ambulance personnel.
Five months later, police arrested Quinn McPherson, 20, at a workplace in Magill in Adelaide’s east and charged him with manslaughter.
Still reeling from the tragedy, Mr Robinson’s family released a statement this week saying ‘heartbroken to have lost Alex’.
Alex Robinson, 20, died in May during a boys’ trip to Melbourne
Quinn McPherson (pictured) was charged with manslaughter and later released on bail
“It’s just a really bad situation for everyone,” Sister Mia Robinson said.
‘Sad for our family, but also sad for his friends. It’s just sad for everyone involved.
‘We miss a lot and would like the privacy that these types of situations deserve.’
A tribute published in The Advertiser at the time of Mr Robinson’s death described him as a much loved and cherished man who ‘passed away suddenly’.
“Dearly loved and cherished son, dearly beloved brother and stepbrother,” the tribute read.
‘Loved by all his extended family and friends. Loved forever. Forever remembered.’
The devastated family are still trying to come to terms with Alex’s death, describing it as a sad situation
Police said two other men who were also present in the apartment at the time of Mr Robinson’s death were not involved.
Still dressed in his traditional gear, McPherson appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday. He was released on bail.
Detectives from Victoria traveled to Adelaide for the hearing but did not request McPherson’s extradition.
Outside court, McPherson made no comment when confronted with a media backlash.
He will return to Melbourne on Monday to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.