A family has been devastated after a 23-year-old man died 72 hours after he was critically injured in a wild brawl outside a popular Sydney pub.
Western Sydney man Evander Tuala was rushed to hospital in the early hours of Saturday after he was knocked unconscious during a vicious brawl outside the Oxford Hotel.
NSW Police said Mr Tuala died about 7.30pm Monday.
Detectives from Surry Hills Police Station have formed Strike Force Nadzah to investigate the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.
Police allege Mr Tuala was injured when two groups clashed at the popular Darlinghurst venue before security forced them outside, where the issue escalated.
The 23-year-old’s aunt penned a touching tribute to her nephew overnight, saying the “waves of tears, pain and sadness” are heavy.
“We kiss your soul goodbye as the life support machine is turned off and at some point we look for peace, comfort & that light in the darkness as we indulge on the unforgettable moments, those precious memories that we got to experience the beauty of your personality, your protective, selfless attitude, your positive outlook on the world,” Nancy Tautaiolefue wrote about 1am Tuesday.
“Everything about you was unique, we’re so thankful, so lucky and blessed for that opportunity to interact with you even if it was just for a short amount of time.
“My dear nephew Evander Bronson Tuala a.k.a WOODY, you taught us that life is precious, to live with purpose, to cherish & enjoy every moment of life even though your life was stolen by death’s cruel hand, we honour you, we salute you, our beloved hero/
“May you rest in peace and fly high with the angels.”
Mr Tuala’s cousin, Australian Rugby Sevens player Dietrich Roach, honoured him with a message written on his wrist tape during a game in Singapore on Sunday evening.
“RIL Woody” read the message, along with a crucifix.
Roach drew attention to the message with a hand gesture during the bronze-winning match against Ireland. A club representative confirmed the two are cousins.
His heartbroken family have penned touching tributes on social media for Mr Tuala, who had been nicknamed “Woody”.
Mr Tuala’s devastated aunt said her nephew was a “sweet boy” who had been “stolen” from her family.
“You came into this world and brought so much love into our family,” Niu Tuala wrote.
“Now you’ve left us broken. You were stolen from us like a thief in the night.”
NSW Police said on Monday three men had been charged with affray, and were urging anyone with information or video footage to come forward and assist the investigation.
It’s possible the charges could change, depending on how the investigation proceeds.
Detective Superintendent John Duncan said the brawl broke out about 12.36am on Saturday, involving a group from western Sydney and another from the eastern suburbs.
“At the moment I’m calling for witnesses after a serious assault that occurred in the early hours of (Saturday) morning at Surry Hills,” he told reporters.
“A young man came out of a licenced premises with another young man who had been ejected for a very minor incident at a hotel. As a result of that a brawl broke out.”
Supt Duncan said the family of Mr Tuala would be “devastated”.
Confronting footage captured by someone at the pub shows the mxjmtzywoment a handful of men started swinging punches outside the venue.
Security broke apart the fight, but not before Mr Tuala had been critically injured.
Police attempted to arrest a number of people but it is believed they attempted to flee the scene.
Following a short chase, three men were arrested nearby and taken to Surry Hills Police Station.
NSW Police charged three men on Saturday afternoon with affray.
Two of the men, aged 19 and 20, were refused bail at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday, while the third man, aged 20, will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on May 5.
Investigations are continuing.
