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A ‘friend to the stars’ security chief at a popular Gold Coast strip club has died suddenly after telling a buddy he felt ‘sick like’.
Tributes are pouring in for beloved Richie Ahsam, 50 – including a terrifying photo of his favorite table lying empty in his Hollywood Showgirls workplace.
Mr Ahsam was a well-known local icon in Surfers Paradise and was often pictured with celebrities, including Mike Tyson.
He died Monday afternoon, a week after feeling unwell in a hospital.
Mr Ahsam had texted his friend Ngahere Ngatai, a member of the vocal trio The Koi Boys, telling him he was feeling unwell.
Tributes pour in for beloved Richie Ahsam, 50 (pictured with wife Danielle)
Richie Ahsam (pictured), 50, died in his sleep Monday afternoon after spending time in hospital
Mr. Ahsam was the respected head of security at the Surfers Paradise strip club, Hollywood Showgirls (pictured, Mr. Ahsam with Hollywood Showgirls owner Craig Duffy and former professional boxer, Mike Tyson)
“On the way to the hospital bro. Sick if,” he wrote.
Mr. Ngatai replied, ‘Aw no. Not a good brother. Get well soon.’
“Thanks my brother,” he said.
After leaving the hospital and returning home, Mr. Ahsam went to sleep and never woke up again. the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
Tributes have flown in for the security chief in the Gold Coast and across Australia.
A Facebook group set up to commemorate Mr Ahsam shared a photo of his regular table at the Hollywood Showgirls strip joint where he sat.
The picture shows the table, separated with rope, now abandoned with a single beer on it.
The social media user who posted the image simply captioned it: “Richie’s Table.”
Mr Ngatai posted a tribute to his friend on Facebook, writing: ‘It was last week that we reached the base. You felt sick and now you’re not here with us, brother. In such a short time we bonded and you became like a big brother.’
Full of energy, full of jokes, we didn’t meet your famz, but our hearts go out to your partner and your two children. So sad, I love you bro.’
The band member recalled one time Mr Ahsam followed The Koi Boys to an RSL to see them perform.
The security chief told Ngahere Ngatai, a member of the band The Koi Boys, that he felt unwell and went to the hospital a week before he died.
Tributes poured in for Mr Ahsam, including a terrifying photo of the table at the Hollywood Showgirls strip club where he often sat – now abandoned
Hollywood Showgirls owner Craig Duffy described him as a “sweet villain” who was “well loved,” while co-founder Jamie Pickering said he was “like Superman” for his ability to “keep the venue safe” (pictured, Mr. Ahsam with former NZ Rugby player Israel Dagg)
Hollywood Showgirls owner Craig Duffy described him as a “sweet villain” who was “dearly loved” by many.
‘Sad news. Doesn’t seem real. A Glitter Strip icon is gone way too soon,” he said.
The couple had a close bond and went on a trip to Las Vegas together.
Hollywood co-founder Jamie Pickering spoke about how trustworthy Mr. Ahsam was and how he handled problems in a ‘tough job’ as head of security.
“He kept a lot of trouble away from us and kept the site safe. He was like Superman,” he said.
Mr. Ahsam leaves behind a wife, Danielle, and two children, including daughter, Leilani, and son, Isaiah
Mr Ahsam lived in New Zealand before moving to Australia.
He started working at Hollywood Showgirls shortly after it was opened 19 years ago by Mr Duffy and Mr Pickering.
During his career he also worked in prominent locations in Sydney.
Mr. Ahsam leaves behind a wife, Danielle, and two children, including daughter, Leilani, and son, Isaiah.