Heartbreaking photo after 22yo dies from alleged ‘coward punch’

The father of a 22-year-old man, who was a victim of an alleged coward punch during a night out, confirmed his son’s death in a heartbreaking Facebook post earlier today.

Gold Coast man Cameron Duce was allegedly assaulted in Burleigh Heads during a night out with friends on September 22.

His heartbroken parents took to Facebook to share that despite the best efforts from doctors, his head injuries from the alleged coward punch were too severe, and he sadly passed away in hospital a week later.

A homicide investigation was launched and police have confirmed this afternoon that they have charged an 18-year-old Robina man with unlawful striking causing death following the attack.

He will appear at Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has CCTV or dashcam footage from that time, is urged to come forward.

“Some very sad news. As some of you may be aware, there was a serious assault at Burleigh Heads last weekend, leading to a 22-year-old man being hospitalised with critical head injuries… leading to life threatening head injuries. That 22-year-old male was our son Cameron,” his father Chris wrote on Facebook, alongside a heartbreaking last photo holding his son’s hand.

“Over the next seven days we sat with Cameron in the Intensive Care Unit at GCUH (Gold Coast University Hospital) where he received the best possible care from the highly qualified professional teams of consultants, neurosurgeons, ICU doctors and the incredible nurses who all provided around the clock 24/7 ongoing care.

“Cameron was given all the best possible care, including every medical and drug intervention available over the past 7 days.

“However, despite all the care and all the best medical interventions Cameron’s head injuries were too severe for him to overcome.

“We were informed yesterday that Cameron had no chance of any recovery and the family has decided to let our beautiful boy Cameron pass peacefully in his own time.”

The father thanked everyone for their kindness and shared that their lives would “never be the same” after this sudden and monumental loss.

“We were fortunate enough to have the time to all say our goodbyes, and his long procession of very good mates as well as all his family and close relatives had the opportunity to come and say goodbye,” he continued.

“The amount of love shown for our boy from everyone who was ever lucky enough to have shared his warm, funny, considerate and caring personality was heartwarming to the family, but nothing will ever replace the massive hole left in our lives with the passing of our beautiful son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, and one of the best people anyone could have ever called a mate.

“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 grieve for the years we will never get to spend with him, never getting to watch him grow further into the fine young man that he had already become.

“Our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same.

“The world has lost one of the genuinely good people who brought joy, laughter and love to all of those he met.

“Rest in Peace my beautiful son, our beautiful boy. We love you so much and miss you so badly already. Go and be the Angel you already were.

“Fly high Cammy boy, we all love you and miss you so very, very much. Forever 22.”

Police were called to the intersection of First Avenue and The Esplanade in Burleigh Heads at around 2:30am following reports of a disturbance on September 22.

Upon arrival, they located the man with a severe head injury. He was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital but sadly has since passed away.

Police are calling on anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to come forward.

“My understanding is he’d been out for the night, was allegedly assaulted while he was walking out of the precinct, has fallen, struck his head and that’s caused the fatal injuries at the end of the day,” Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles from Queensland Police alleged on Monday,

He claimed the victim was believed to have been walking alone in the direction of home when he was struck.

“Our condolences go out to his family and our investigators will be working hard to actually bring the person to justice who has (allegedly) done this,” he added.

Investigations are continuing.

If you have information for police, you can contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day or call 131 444.

You can also report crime information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or reporting online.

jasmine.kazlauskas@news.com.au