Aussie father Peter Heppell murdered in his bar in Thailand by former employee’s husband
Twist in violent death of Aussie father at his Thai restaurant as his tragic connection to the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami is revealed
- Perth’s father, Peter Heppell, was murdered in Thailand
- The 57-year-old celebrated his birthday in his bar
- He was allegedly stabbed by the wife of a former employee
An Australian man reportedly stabbed at his restaurant in Thailand by the husband of a disgruntled ex-employee had a tragic connection to the 2004 tsunami that devastated large parts of Southeast Asia.
Peter Heppell was celebrating his 57th birthday at Melina’s Monkey House and Whale Bar in Krabi, east of Phuket, on Tuesday when the alleged attack took place.
The Perth dad owned the bar and named it in honor of his six-month-old daughter Melina, who was swept from his arms during the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.
It is believed the husband of a former employee confronted Mr Heppell about a pay dispute and allegedly attacked him with a knife, according to 9News.
Friends and loved ones flooded social media with emotional tributes to their “larger than life” friend following his shocking death.
Peter Heppell (pictured) was killed celebrating his 57th birthday at the bar he owned in Thailand after a former employee’s husband allegedly attacked him with a knife
Mr Heppell was attacked at his bar Melina’s Monkey House and Whale Bar in Krabi, east of Phuket, (pictured) which was named in honor of his six-month-old daughter who was ripped from his arms during the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004
His sister Karen said the family was “devastated” to share the news that his life had been taken “suddenly and violently.”
“Peter will be remembered as a larger than life character, who walked to the beat of his own drum and lived life to the fullest,” she wrote.
“He survived motorcycle accidents and miraculously survived the Boxing Day tsunami. Peter loved his daughter Aly, the ocean, beer, footy and Thailand.
“The family is so grateful that we were able to spend time with him recently. Now reunited with baby Melina. Our hearts are breaking.’
Mr. Heppell’s friend, Jeff Rowe, said, “Lost a friend and a brother today. Where is this world going.’
North Beach Football Club – with whom he won a premiership in 1990 – shared a tribute to the man who they said was a ‘character on and off the pitch’.
“(We are) saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Heppell,” the message read.
Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.’
Friends and loved ones flooded social media with emotional tributes to their ‘larger than life’ friend following his shocking death (Peter Heppell pictured left)
Peter Heppell (left) was nicknamed ‘the whale’ and described as a ‘character on and off the field’ by North Beach Football Club, with whom he won a premiership in 1990
“I remember Peter as an exciting wingman who always had a smile on his face or was laughing,” one person added in the comments.
“Bloody good guy,” said another. “Absolute legend teammate and lifelong friend.”
Australian Rules Football Club the Thailand Tigers paid a moving tribute to Heppell, whom they dubbed ‘the whale’.
“The Thailand Tigers are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Peter ‘Whale’ Heppell. Our thoughts are with his daughter Aly, his family and all his friends,” the club wrote.
“We all have such fond memories of Whale. As one of the original Tigers, he has been a good friend to Tigers old and new. His love for the Tigers was second only to his family’s.
Rest in peace Whale! The Tigers are poorer for your loss.’
A 24-year-old Thai man is in jail for stabbing Peter Heppell (right)
Neighbors of Melina’s Monkey House and Whale Bar paid tribute to Heppell on Wednesday by sharing a “quiet beer” in memory of their friend.
“For the many of you who knew Peter from Big Monkey next door, we’ll have a quiet beer tonight in memory of Jelly Nuts 2,” the post read.
RIP Peter Heppel. shocking news.’
A 24-year-old Thai man is in police custody.