Police have released pictures of a tattooed man they wish to speak to following the death of a young footballer who was king hit during a violent pub brawl in Melbourne on Saturday night.
Patrick Cronin, 19, was punched in the back of the head outside the Windy Mile pub in Diamond Creek in Melbourne late on Saturday night during a brawl involving up to 30 people.
The photos were released by the homicide squad who are investigating the ‘coward punch’ attack and reveal a tattoo on the man’s right bicep and upper arm.
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Police have released pictures of a tattooed man they wish to speak to following the death of a young footballer who was king hit during a violent pub brawl in Melbourne over the weekend
Patrick Cronin (left) had played his first senior football game alongside his sibling Lucas before heading to Windy Mile pub in Diamond Creek in Melbourne on Saturday where the brawl erupted
He is described as Caucasian, with a solid build, has dark hair and was wearing a light coloured t-shirt with blue sleeves with a pocket on the front, dark pants and dark shoes.
The victim’s family released a statement on Monday saying his death had left their hearts ‘broken’.
‘It is with the heaviest of heaviest of hearts that we have just said goodbye to our beautiful boy Patrick John Cronin,’ the family said.
‘We have been overwhelmed with the love our son, and brother, has been shown and it proves to us that he has touched so many people with his wonderful nature,’ the family said.
‘As with his whole life he has put others ahead of himself and leaves us an absolute hero and star.’
He is described as Caucasian, with a solid build, has dark hair and was wearing a light coloured t-shirt with blue sleeves with a pocket on the front, dark pants and dark shoes
Parents Matt and Robyn, brother Lucas and sister Emma said they took some comfort from the knowledge Patrick had helped others in need by donating his organs.
‘Our hearts are broken but he will forever be in our hearts and he will be the one to get us through this,’ the family said.
Homicide detectives are investigating his death.
The 19-year-old had played his first senior game alongside his sibling Lucas before heading to the local pub after the game when the brawl erupted.
It’s understood Patrick wasn’t involved in the brawl but was trying to help a friend when he was hit around 11pm.
Parents Matt and Robyn, brother Lucas and sister Emma said they took some comfort from the knowledge Patrick had helped others in need by donating his organs
The incident occurred outside the Windy Mile pub in Diamond Creek, Melbourne, on Saturday night
The 19-year-old was attempting to help stop a brawl involving around 30 people when he was assaulted
The teenager reportedly walked back to a nearby home with friends but was later taken to hospital when he began to feel ill.
‘We didn’t see any injuries, we had no idea anything was wrong until later in the night when it became obvious something was serious and we called an ambulance,’ the friend said.
Victoria Police originally issued a statement on Monday morning saying Patrick had died on Sunday night but subsequently retracted it after speaking to the family.
Hundreds of people commented on family members’ Facebook pages expressing devastation and sorrow.
‘Words just can’t express how sad we are all feeling – such a beautiful, gentle boy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers,’ one said.
‘He’s just an angel of a kid … He’s smart, kind, an amazing boy,’ Lower Plenty Football Club president Grant Bardem said.
The teenager died at the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Monday morning after being placed on life support
The Homicide Squad are continuing their investigations and police are yet to make any arrests
The 19-year-old’s team raised their flag at half-mast in honour of the talented player while many took to social media offering their messages of support.
‘Life can sometimes be so unfair. Patrick Cronin you were a ripping kid who still had a whole life to live ahead of you. Reading your’s and Lucas Cronin’s name out Thursday night to play your first senior game together was a privilege and I know how proud it made your family,’ one friend posted.
‘Waking up this morning to the worst possible news! A young kid with a heart of gold taken away far too soon,’ another said.
Premier Daniel Andrews said Victorians were supporting the Cronins with their thoughts and prayers.
‘I’m confident that Victoria Police will do everything they need to do to bring the perpetrator of this cowardly act to the justice that that person so richly deserves,’ Mr Andrews said.