Murdered mother Tara Brown’s brother has died, sparking a wave of grief from friends and family.
Father-of-two Rikki Brown, 30, from the Gold Coast, Queensland, passed away last week.
The cause of death has not been confirmed, but authorities say there are no suspicious circumstances.
His passing comes less than eight years after his sister Tara was killed on September 8, 2015 by Bandidos sergeant-at-arms and partner Lionel Patea.
Ms Brown was driven off a Gold Coast road before being beaten to death with a steel fire hydrant cover while trapped in her car.
The non-profit organization Friends with Dignity paid tribute to Mr Brown, saying in a statement that the ‘ripple effect of domestic violence is complex’.
Mr Brown is survived by his partner Sade Kerrison and mother Natalie Hinton, along with his two young children.
Father-of-two Rikki Brown (pictured), 30, passed away last week. Authorities said the circumstances were not suspicious
His sister Tara Brown was 24 when she was tragically killed by her enforcer boyfriend
Friends have shared tributes to the popular Gold Coast resident who helped his mother Natalie Hinton start the Tara Brown Foundation
Rest in peace Ricky, no more pain. Our deepest condolences go out to our friend Natalie Hinton and her family at this very difficult time,” the statement read.
After losing her partner/husband, Patrick 20 years ago and then her daughter Tara Brown, Natalie has now lost her son Rikki.
“The ripple effect of domestic violence is complex.”
The charity said the approaching birthdays and anniversaries associated with his sister and father “may have been a trigger”.
“We will never know, but what we do know is that the impact of domestic violence has long-term effects,” the statement said.
Mr Brown was a talented footballer who had played rugby since his early school days.
Friend Lesi Tawaki wrote that he couldn’t believe his buddy was gone after catching up with him a few days ago.
‘Saturday afternoon after our game we had a beer and chatted about our game. And not once did I realize something wasn’t right,” he said.
“I woke up this morning with tears in my eyes and mixed feelings after finding out you left us. Not realizing that I said my last goodbye to you on Saturday night.’
The pair were both senior team members for the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights Rugby Union Club.
In a statement, the club said it was deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Brown.
‘Rikki was part of our club for almost 25 years and was a much loved member of the play group.
Our love and thoughts are with Rikki’s mother Natalie, partner Sade, children Patrick & Irie and the rest of the family at this time.
‘His smile, laugh and cheeky grin were contagious… A wonderful man, father, son and friend has left this earth but will forever be in our hearts.
Mr Brown had been close to his sister before her tragic death on September 8, 2015.
Mrs. Brown had dropped off her three-year-old daughter Aria at the nursery on the morning she was killed by Patea.
Patea hit her with a 17 lb (7.9 kg) steel fire hydrant cover he grabbed from the road before being sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.
Aria is now cared for by her grandmother, Mrs. Hinton.
Mr. Brown (left) stood close to Tara (right). Tara’s daughter Aria is now cared for by Mrs Hinton
Mr Brown was a passionate footy player who played throughout high school and for the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights senior team
Both she and Mr. Brown founded the Tara Brown Foundation for Domestic Violence Relief.
a GoFundMe was launched by friend Santana Morgan to help with funeral expenses and support Mr. Brown’s young children.
“Rikki was the most loving son, partner and father to his children and stepchildren.
“The family appreciates all your kind words, hugs and support. I would like to ask all of you to support Rikki’s family during this time,” she said.
Friend Keen Taufale recalled how Mr Brown helped him when he moved from New Zealand as a schoolboy.
‘When I was 12 and started at Benowa High School. I struggled my first week without knowing anyone… All my teachers said I’d get along with that boy Rikki who was on vacation at the time.’
“When he came back we all had the same classes and we hit it off right away.”
“Then I joined the rugby club where he played… We played inside and outside the center for a few seasons until I couldn’t keep up with him… We finally hung up the boots and picked up the golf clubs.”
A funeral service will be held at Southport Church of Christ on the Gold Coast on March 22.