Victoria police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 19-year-old Patrick Cronin, who died less than 48 hours after an apparent coward punch attack outside a music venue and pub in Diamond Creek.
As The Age reports, police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to about an incident during which Mr Cronin was allegedly punched in the head as he tried to remove a friend from a group brawl.
According to News Corp, the rising local football star was at the Windy Mile Hotel in Diamond Creek to celebrate his first senior game with the Lower Plenty Bears when a fight involving about 30 people broke out at about 11pm.
Lower Plenty Football Club president Grant Barden told Fairfax Mr Cronin attempted to drag a friend who was “basically being trampled” out of the brawl when he was punched by the unidentified assailant.
Mr Cronin did not fall to the ground after the attack and an ambulance was cancelled as he was able to walk back to a house in Happy Valley Rise with his mates. However, he later began vomiting and losing consciousness.
An ambulance was called and he was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He was placed on life support due to the critical head injury he sustained as a result of the apparent one-punch attack and died yesterday.
“As with his whole life he has put others ahead of himself and leaves us an absolute hero and star. We take some comfort in the knowledge that Pat was able to donate his organs and help others in need,” Mr Cronin’s family said in a tribute, via Fairfax.
“Police now wish to speak to a man described as ‘caucasian with a solid build, dark hair and a tattoo on his right bicep and upper arm’.”Police now wish to speak to a man described as “caucasian with a solid build, dark hair and a tattoo on his right bicep and upper arm”. He was wearing a light-coloured T-shirt with blue sleeves and a pocket on the front, dark pants, and dark shoes on the night.
“Police would also like to speak to all patrons who were present at the hotel on Saturday evening and encourage anyone who hasn’t spoken with detectives to ring Crime Stoppers,” police spokeswoman Julie-Anne Newman told Fairfax.
The Windy Mile have cancelled all live entertainment this week and paid tribute to Mr Cronin on their Facebook page, writing, “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the loss of Patrick. All at the Windy Mile offer their sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”
Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
