Aussie dad killed in alleged one-punch attack during Melbourne Cup celebrations
Sydney man Paul Griffin, 55, died in an alleged one-punch attack while celebrating the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.
Tributes are pouring in for an Australian father who was killed in an allegedly unprovoked one-punch attack at a Sydney pub while celebrating the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.
Paul Griffin, 55, from the Hills Shire in the city's northwest, suffered devastating injuries as a result of the alleged altercation, which involved another 43-year-old man who police say was not known to him. The incident occurred at The Ettamogah in Kellyville Ridge at about 8pm on Tuesday.
Griffin was taken to Westmead Hospital on Tuesday night where he was put on life support. It's understood he passed away on Thursday evening, with his organs donated to those in need.
The alleged attacker had fled the scene before police arrived, but he was later apprehended in Plumpton, in Sydney's Western Suburbs, officers said. He was charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and fronted Blacktown Local Court on Thursday.
Beloved father, 'special' community member remembered
Griffin is being remembered as a "very special" member of the local community and as an "incredible father".
Posting a tribute to her dad, Griffin's daughter Dana thanked him for the life he gave their family. "Not just our father but our best mate," she wrote on social media. "Dad, you have given our family the most incredible life. We love you beyond words and you will be sorely missed.
"Time to go save some other lives now." Cruiserweight boxing world champion Jai Opetaia also mourned Griffin, who he described as family and someone who supported him financially on his campaign to be world champ .
"This week we lost someone very special to our team/family," Opetaia said. "Griffo has been a real day one [sic] and has been on this journey since I was a young boy, and has always had my back through it ... we love you Griffo and will miss you."
Griffin's niece said he had the ability to "light up a room" with his smile. "Only a few words to describe who my wonderful uncle Paul is," she wrote. "He had a smile that would light up a room and a laugh that was infectious to the point of tears.
"He was taken from the world too soon, but will never be forgotten and will live on forever." Others said the 55-year-old was someone who could always be "counted on for a good time and a good laugh" and as somebody with a "good heart.”
The 43-year-old alleged attacker did not apply for bail on Thursday and will remain in custody on remand with his matter adjourned to later this month.
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