An Australian man who was violently attacked while heading home after a night out has lost his fight for life in hospital, prompting 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 viciously attacked outside McDonald’s last Wednesday evening.
He was taken to hospital with life-threatening head injuries, where he died on Saturday night.
His heartbroken family has remembered Mr. Truman as a “vibrant, independent, courageous man” who was “not afraid to be himself.”
“He was a tremendous 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 singing karaoke. May we all taste at least an ounce of its flavor.”
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.
Andrew Truman, 44, died after being hit in the head in Melbourne’s CBD
He was remembered by friends and family as a ‘lively’ 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 tell you about 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 offered their condolences.
‘His enthusiasm for football, and especially for 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 Truman was “always happy just being himself” and “enjoyed the company of his friends around him.”
Mr Truman visited the Clocks in Flinders pub, where he sang along with musicians as they played.
Before the attack, Truman had reportedly been listening to a band and drinking a glass of milk in the pub.
Friends said Truman was ‘always happy just being himself’ and enjoyed singing in the pub
Police have released images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with Truman’s death
Detectives from the homicide unit have released images of a man they want to speak to about the incident.
They hope to speak to Todd Menegaldo, who is visiting Melbourne’s CBD.
“Detectives have conducted an extensive search over the past several days in an attempt to locate Menegaldo,” the statement said.
Detectives described Mr. Menegaldo as approximately 180-185cm tall and with a slim build.
He also goes by the nickname ‘Rooster’ and is a black and white Staffordshire terrier cross.
Mr. Menegaldo was last seen wearing a purple zip-up sweater, dark jeans and a yellow beanie.
Anyone who sees Menegaldo is urged not to approach him and to contact triple-0 immediately.
