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An Australian man who was brutally attacked as he walked home after a night out lost his fight for life in hospital, sparking an outpouring of tributes from family and friends.
Andrew Truman, 44, was walking along Elizabeth Street in MelbourneCBD when he was brutally attacked outside a McDonald's last Wednesday evening.
He was taken to hospital with life-threatening head injuries, where he died on Saturday evening.
His devastated family remembered Truman as an “energetic, independent and courageous man” who “wasn't afraid to be himself.”
“He was a wonderful and fierce supporter of the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man,” officials said in a statement. Harbinger of the Sun Read.
“He didn't hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or sing karaoke. May we all get a little taste of its flavor.
The family also thanked those who stopped to help Truman, paramedics, medical staff and Victorian police officers.
He was also a passionate Western Bulldogs AFL supporter who also played the code.
Andrew Truman, 44, died after being beaten to the head in Melbourne's CBD
He was remembered by friends and family as an “energetic” man who loved his football clubs
Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club said the death of their life member was a “deeply sad day”.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the sudden death of Andrew “Chewie” Truman,” President Paul Barrett wrote in a statement to members.
“Chewie was a multiple Premier League player and a life member of our great club. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Truman family at this time.”
FIDA Williamstown Seagulls Football Club also expressed their condolences.
“His enthusiasm for football, and especially the Western Bulldogs, was contagious and he was always up for a friendly chat. “Go with the wind,” the club wrote.
Family friend Len Sherrott said Truman “was always happy just being himself” and “enjoyed the company of friends around him.”
Truman frequented the Clocks at Flinders pub, where he sang along with musicians playing.
Before the attack, Truman was reportedly in a pub listening to a band and drinking a glass of milk.
Friends say Truman “was always happy just being himself” and enjoyed singing in the pub
Police released photos of a man they wanted to talk to in connection with Truman's death
Homicide detectives have released photos of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.
They hope to speak to Todd Menegaldo, who frequents the Melbourne CBD.
“Over the past several days, detectives have conducted an extensive search in an attempt to locate Menegaldo,” the statement read.
Detectives described Menegaldo as approximately 5'10″ tall with a slim build.
He also goes by the nickname “Rooster” and has a black and white Staffordshire Terrier mix.
Mr. Menegaldo was last seen wearing a zip-up purple sweater, dark jeans and a yellow hat.
Anyone who sees Menegaldo is asked not to approach him and to contact Triple-0 immediately.
