The family of a young man who lost his fight for life in intensive care a week after he was allegedly bashed and kicked has paid an emotional tribute to the 22-year-old as his accused attacker was freed on bail.
Cameron Duce was allegedly struck by Austin Lewis Blaney Ballard, 18 on The Esplanade, in Burleigh Heads on Queensland‘s Gold Coast in the early hours of September 22 as he was walking home after a night out with friends.
He was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital, where doctors spent seven days trying to save his life before he finally succumbed to his severe head injuries on Saturday.
Fighting back tears, Chris Duce thanked the medical ‘heroes’ who tried to save his son as he made an emotional public address on Tuesday, flanked by distraught loved ones.
‘Cameron was a loving, caring, considerate, funny young man. A loved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and cousin,’ Mr Duce said.
‘He also had a very large group of close mates, friends and family who were all wishing for the best possible outcome for him.
‘He did absolutely nothing to deserve this.’
Mr Duce said a wide circle of family and friends surrounded Cameron at his hospital bedside in intensive care in his final days.
Cameron Duce, 22, died a week after being allegedly attacked while walking home after a night out with friends
Cameron’s father, Chris Duce (pictured second left) paid emotional tribute to his son while supported by distraught loved ones on Tuesday
‘Cameron is an innocent victim through all of this. A beautiful, caring, considerate and loving son, brother, grandson and uncle taken way too soon,’ an emotional Mr Duce told reporters.
‘Cameron David Duce, a beautiful baby boy, son and brother, taken too soon. Forever 22.’
A police investigation into Cameron’s death is ongoing.
Mr Duce appealed for anyone who can assist police with the inquiries to come forward.
‘We know that police are investigating thoroughly and we trust that they’re giving their best efforts to identify, locate and charge the person or persons and any others who were allegedly responsible for the actions causing Cameron’s traumatic and ultimately fatal head injuries,’ he said.
Cameron Duce was allegedly punched before hitting his head on the ground on September 22
Austin Ballard was been released on bail hours after he was charged over Cameron’s death
‘We also know and accept that this may take some time so we’re prepared to be patient while they do their job.
‘If there’s anyone out there with any information whatsoever, no matter how big or small, now is the time to stand up. Please come forward to the police.’
The emotional plea came hours after Ballard was charged with one count of unlawful strike causing death on Monday night.
He appeared in Southport Magistrates Court, where he was freed on bail.
The court heard that Ballard has no prior criminal history, had a supportive family and accommodation, along with a stable job where he worked 8-10 hours a day.
He is banned from contacting witnesses of the alleged assault, must abide by a curfew and have a blood alcohol content of under 0.05 per cent at all times as part of his strict bail conditions.
Ballard, who was whisked away from the court by family members, is next scheduled to appear in court on November 4.
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