An Aussie man who was violently assaulted while heading home after a night out has lost his fight for life in hospital, sparking an outpouring of tributes from family and friends.
Andrew Truman, 44, was walking along on Elizabeth Street in Melbourne’s CBD when he was confronted and viciously attacked outside McDonald’s last Wednesday night.
He was rushed to hospital with life-threatening head injuries, where he died on Saturday night.
His heartbroken family have remembered Mr Truman as a ‘vibrant, independent, courageous man’ who was ‘unafraid to be himself’.
‘He was a marvellous and fierce supporter of the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man,’ their statement to the Herald Sun read.
‘He didn’t hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or in singing karaoke. May we all have at least an ounce of his flavour.’
The family also thanked those who stopped to help Mr Truman, paramedics, medical staff and Victorian police officers.
He was also a passionate Western Bulldogs AFL supporter who also played the code.
Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club said the passing of their life member was a ‘deeply sad day’.
‘It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you of the sudden passing of Andrew ‘Chewie’ Truman,’ president Paul Barrett wrote in a statement to members.
‘Chewie was a multiple premiership player and life member of our great club. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Truman family at this time.’
The Williamstown Seagulls FIDA Football Club also expressed their condolences.
‘His enthusiasm for football, and especially the Western Bulldogs, was infectious, and he was always ready for a friendly chat. ‘Go long with the wind’,’ the club posted.
Family friend Len Sherrott said Mr Truman ‘was always happy just being himself’ and ‘enjoyed the company of his friends around him’.
Mr Truman frequented the Clocks at Flinders pub where he sang along with musicians as they played.
Before the attack, Truman had reportedly been at the pub listening to a band and drinking a glass of milk.
Detectives attached to the Homicide Squad have released images of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the incident.
They hope to speak with Todd Menegaldo, who frequents the Melbourne CBD.
‘Detectives have conducted a significant search over the past few days in an attempt to locate Menegaldo,’ the statement read.
Detectives described Mr Menegaldo as about 180-185cm tall with a slim build.
He also goes by the nickname ‘Rooster’ and has a black and white crossbreed Staffordshire terrier.
Mr Menegaldo was last seen wearing a zip-up, purple jumper, dark jeans, and a yellow beanie.
Anyone who sights Menegaldo is urged not to approach him and to contact triple-0 immediately.