Family and friends mourn young Samoan man who died after Sydney fight
Sydney, AUSTRALIA — A tribute has been paid to Evander Tuala, who died after allegedly being punched in the head during a brawl in Sydney over the weekend.
The 23-year-old suffered critical head injuries after fighting broke out outside the Oxford Hotel and died in hospital on Monday night.
Police believe about ten to 15 youths were involved in the incident.
Dozens of friends and family gathered in front of the pub on busy Oxford street on Tuesday to pay tribute to Tuala, affectionally known as Woody.
As cars and buses rushed by, they sang songs.
They laid flowers on the ground and children wrote messages on heart shaped balloons, expressing their love and sorrow.
"We are struggling to come to terms with our devastating loss. Evander was a beautiful life force that touched the life of so many. His passing leaves a terrible void that will never be refilled. Our lives have been forever broken," said his cousin, on behalf of Tuala's mother, Claudia Tuala.
They thanked friends and family for their support.