Man, 22, dies one week after allegedly being coward punched while walking home from a night out – as his family issue a heartbreaking statement
A young man died a week ago after he was allegedly punched by a coward as he walked home after a night out.
Cameron Duce, 22, was allegedly hit by an 18-year-old on The Esplanade, in Burleigh Heads, on Queensland’s Gold Coast, in the early hours of September 22.
His family revealed on Saturday that Mr Duce’s head injury was too serious and there was nothing more medical staff at Gold Coast University Hospital could do.
Mr Duce’s father, Chris Duce, said he spent seven days in intensive care with his son, who “received the best care possible” from doctors who gave him “every medical and drug intervention available.”
“Yesterday we were told that Cameron had no chance of recovery and the family has decided to let our beautiful boy Cameron pass away peacefully in his own time,” Chris wrote.
“We were fortunate that we had the time to all say goodbye, and his long procession of very close friends and all his family and close relatives had the opportunity to come and say goodbye.”
Chris said the love shown from those close to his son was “heartwarming” for the family.
“But nothing will ever replace the enormous hole in our lives left by the passing of our beautiful son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin and one of the best people anyone could have ever called a partner,” he continued.
Cameron Duce has died after an alleged cowardly punch while with friends in Burleigh Heads a week ago
“He was the son I never deserved, so much better than me in so many ways.
“We will all cherish the years we had with Cameron, and mourn the years we will never spend with him, and never see him grow into the fine young man he had already become.
‘Our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same again. The world has lost one of the genuinely good people who brought joy, laughter and love to everyone he met.
‘Rest in peace my beautiful son, our beautiful boy. We love you so much and miss you so much already. Go and be the angel you already were.
“Fly high Cammy boy, we all love and miss you dearly. Forever 22.’
Cameron Duce was reportedly beaten before hitting his head on the ground on September 22
Police believe Cameron was walking home alone when the alleged attack occurred.
“It is my understanding that he (Cameron) had been out overnight, was allegedly attacked while leaving the police station, fell, hit his head and that at the end of the day caused the fatal injuries,” the statement said. Queensland Police. Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said Monday.
‘Our condolences go out to his family and our investigators will work hard to bring the person who (allegedly) did this to justice.
The 18-year-old from Robina has been charged with unlawful beating resulting in death.
He will appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Police are calling on anyone who may have witnessed the September 22 incident or has CCTV footage of it to come forward.
Chris Duce, Cameron’s father, has written a lengthy Facebook post mourning his ‘beautiful son’