A 22-year-old man has tragically passed away a week after allegedly being the victim of a coward punch while walking home from a night out. Cameron Duce was reportedly attacked by an 18-year-old along The Esplanade in Burleigh Heads, located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, during the early hours of September 22.
On Saturday, his family shared the heartbreaking news that despite the best efforts of medical staff at Gold Coast University Hospital, his head injuries were too severe for further treatment.
What Happened To Cameron Duce?
Cameron Duce’s father, Chris Duce, shared the emotional journey of spending seven days by his son’s side in the ICU, where doctors provided “the best possible care” and tried every available medical and drug intervention to save him.
In a heartfelt statement, Chris wrote, “We were informed yesterday that Cameron had no chance of recovery, and the family made the difficult decision to let our beautiful boy pass peacefully in his own time.”
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to say their farewells, adding, “We were fortunate to have the time for all his family, close relatives, and a long procession of his very good mates to come and say goodbye.”
Chris Duce expressed how deeply moved the family had been by the outpouring of love and support from those close to Cameron. He described it as “heartwarming” during this incredibly difficult time.
However, he added, “Nothing will ever replace the massive hole left in our lives with the passing of our beautiful son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, and one of the best people anyone could have ever called a mate.”
A 22-year-old Gold Coast man has died in hospital almost a week after suffering a severe head injury from an alleged coward punch.
— 10 News First Queensland (@10NewsFirstQLD) September 30, 2024
Cameron Duce’s father has shared his family’s devastation in a post to social media stating, “our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the… pic.twitter.com/gYdl83eUUa
Chris Duce’s grief poured through in his heartfelt words, reflecting on the special bond he shared with his son. “He was the son I never deserved, so much better than me in so many ways,” he said.
He continued, “We will all cherish the years we had with Cameron and grieve for the years we will never get to spend with him, never getting to watch him grow further into the fine young man he had already become.”
With a broken heart, Chris expressed the deep loss, saying, “Our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same. The world has lost one of the genuinely good people who brought joy, laughter, and love to everyone he met.”
In a final emotional tribute, he said, “Rest in peace, my beautiful son, our beautiful boy. We love you so much and miss you so badly already. Go and be the Angel you already were. Fly high, Cammy boy, we all love you and miss you so very, very much. Forever 22.”
Is Anyone Arrested?
Police believe Cameron Duce was walking home alone when the alleged assault took place.
The family of Cameron Duce has spoken publicly for the first time after the 22-year-old lost his week-long battle following an alleged assault at Burleigh. @MakennaBaily @BonnellYasmin #News pic.twitter.com/HXQci9Gf7X
— 9News Gold Coast (@9NewsGoldCoast) October 1, 2024
Queensland Police Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles explained, “My understanding is he’d been out for the night, was allegedly assaulted while walking out of the precinct, fell, struck his head, and that ultimately caused the fatal injuries.”
He offered condolences to Cameron’s family, adding that investigators are committed to seeking justice for the tragic incident.
18-year-old From Robina Has Been Charged
An 18-year-old from Robina has been charged with unlawful striking causing death and is scheduled to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the September 22 incident or has CCTV footage to come forward to assist in the investigation.
