The brother of murdered mum Tara Brown has died leading to an outpouring of grief from friends and family.
Father-of-two Rikki Brown, 30, from the Gold Coast, in Queensland, died last week.
The cause of death has not been confirmed but authorities said there are no suspicious circumstances.
His passing comes less than eight years after his sister Tara was killed by Bandidos sergeant-at-arms and partner Lionel Patea on September 8, 2015.
Ms Brown was driven off a Gold Coast road before was beaten to death with a steel fire hydrant cover while trapped in her car.
Non-profit group Friends with Dignity paid tribute to Mr Brown saying in a statement that the ‘ripple effect of domestic violence is complex’.
Mr Brown leaves behind his partner Sade Kerrison and mother Natalie Hinton along with his two young children.
Father-of-two Rikki Brown (pictured), 30, died last week. Authorities said the circumstances were not suspicious
His sister Tara Brown was 24 when she was tragically killed by her bikie enforcer boyfriend
Friends have shared tributes to the popular Gold Coast local who helped his mother Natalie Hinton start the Tara Brown Foundation
‘Rest in Peace Rikki, no more pain. Our deepest condolences go out to our friend Natalie Hinton and her family at this very difficult time,’ the statement read.
‘Having lost her partner/husband, Patrick 20 years ago and then her daughter Tara Brown, Natalie has now lost her son Rikki.
‘The ripple effect of domestic violence is complex.’
The charity said the approaching birthdays and anniversaries associated with his sister and father could have ‘been a trigger’.
‘We will never know, but what we do know is that the impact of domestic violence has long term effects,’ the statement read.
Mr Brown was a talented footballer having played rugby since his early school days.
Friend Lesi Tawaki wrote he couldn’t believe his mate was gone, having just caught up with him a few days ago.
‘On Saturday afternoon after our game we were having a beer and chatting away about our game. And not once did I caught on that something was wrong,’ he said.
‘I woke up this morning with tears in my eyes and mixed emotions, after finding out you have left us. Not realising that I said my last good byes to you on Saturday night.’
The pair were both senior team members for the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights Rugby Union Club.
In a statement the club said it was deeply saddened to hear of Mr Brown’s passing.
‘Rikki was apart of our club for the best part of 25 years and was a much loved member amongst the playing group.
‘Our love and thoughts are with Rikki’s Mum Natalie, partner Sade, Children Patrick & Irie and wider family during this time.
‘His smile, laugh and cheeky grin were infectious… A great man, father, son and friend has left this earth but will forever be in our hearts.
Mr Brown had been close to his sister before her tragic death on September 8, 2015.
Ms Brown had dropped her three-year-old daughter Aria off at daycare on the morning she was killed by Patea.
Patea bashed her with a steel fire hydrant cover weighing 7.9kg he grabbed from the roadside before he was sentenced to more than 20 years in jail.
Aria is now in the care of her grandmother Ms Hinton.
Mr Brown (left) was close to Tara (right). Tara’s daughter Aria is now in the care of Ms Hinton
Mr Brown was a passionate footy player having played throughout high school and for the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights senior team
Both she and Mr Brown started the Tara Brown Foundation for Domestic Violence Relief.
A GoFundMe has been launched by friend Santana Morgan to help with funeral expenses and to support Mr Brown’s young children.
‘Rikki was the most loving son, partner and father to his children and step children.
‘The family appreciate all of your kind words, hugs and support. I would like to ask you all to support Rikkis family in this time,’ she said.
Friend Keen Taufale recalled how Mr Brown had helped him when he moved from New Zealand as a schoolboy.
‘When I was 12 and started at Benowa Highschool. I struggled my first week not knowing anyone… All my teachers said I would get on with this kid Rikki who was on holiday at the time.’
‘When he got back we had all the same classes and hit it off straight away.’
‘I then joined the rugby club he played at… We played inside and outside centre for a few seasons till I couldnt keep up with him… We eventually hung up the boots and picked up the golf clubs.’
A funeral service will be held on March 22 at Southport Church of Christ on the Gold Coast.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk