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An Australian man who was violently attacked while walking home after a night out lost his fight for his life in hospital, sparking an outpouring of tributes from family and friends.
Andrew Truman, 44, was walking along Elizabeth Street in Melbourne's CBD when he was confronted and violently 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 remembers Truman as a “vibrant, independent and courageous man” who “was not afraid to be himself.”
“He was a wonderful and fierce advocate for the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man,” their statement told the Sun Herald to read.
“He didn’t hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or in karaoke. May we all have at least an ounce of its flavor.'
The family also thanked those who stopped to help Mr. Truman, the paramedics, medical staff and Victoria police officers.
He was also a passionate Western Bulldogs AFL supporter who also played the code.
Andrew Truman, 44, died after being beaten over the head in Melbourne's CBD
He was remembered by friends and family as a 'vibrant' man who loved his football clubs
The Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club said the passing of its life member was a “deeply sad day”.
“It is with heavy hearts that I must inform 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 its condolences.
'His enthusiasm for football, and especially the Western Bulldogs, was infectious and he was always up for a friendly chat. 'Go with the wind'', posted the club.
Family friend Len Sherrott said Truman “was always happy to be himself” and “enjoyed the company of the friends around him.”
Truman frequented the Clocks at Flinders pub, where he sang along with the musicians as they played.
Before the attack, Truman would be at the pub listening to a band and drinking a glass of milk.
Friends said Truman was “always happy to be himself” and liked to sing in the pub
Police have released images of a man they would like to speak to about Mr. Truman's death
Detectives linked to the Homicide Squad have released images of a man they wish to speak to about the incident.
They hope to speak to 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 being around 180-185cm tall and with a slim build.
He also goes by the nickname 'Rooster' and has a black and white Staffordshire terrier mix.
Menegaldo was last seen wearing a purple zip-up sweater, dark jeans and a yellow beanie.
Anyone who sees Menegaldo is asked not to approach him and to contact Triple-0 immediately.
