Man In Critical Condition After Brawl Outside A Pub On Oxford Street In Sydney
Image: Evander Tuala (23) is fighting for his life after he was punched in a brawl outside a venue in Sydney's Oxford Street on April 9, 2022.
Updated story: A 23-year-old man died after being attacked outside Oxford Hotel in Sydney’s gay neighbourhood Oxford Street in the early hours of Saturday morning. The police have arrested three men and urged the public for information or mobile phone video and dash cam footage of the attack.
Evander Tuala was allegedly punched and fell to the ground, striking his head and sustaining life-threatening head injuries.
NSW Police Superintendent John Duncan had told the media that Tuala was “fighting for his life with head injuries”. Tuala was on life support at St Vincent’s hospital. Police said that investigators were told that Tuala died about 7.30pm on Monday, April 11.
Police said a large number of detectives, including the homicide squad were looking for others involved in the brawl. “Come to us, before we come to you,” said officer Duncan. The three men arrested in the case have not yet been charged over the alleged assault.
Brawl Started Inside The Pub
According to NSW police, the brawl started after a disagreement inside the Oxford Street venue around 12.35 am on April 9, 2022. Police said they believe the fight started between two groups, Tuala is from Western suburbs while the other group was from the Eastern beaches area.
Around 15 people spilled out of the pub, continued to fight and throw punches outside the pub.
“Security guards nearby attempted to disperse the group, before officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command attended,” the police said in a statement. “NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the injured man at the scene, before he was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where he remains in a critical condition with significant head injuries.”
The police said that the people who were allegedly involved in the attack fled the scene. The police pursued them on foot and managed to arrest three men, who were taken to Surry Hills police station.
The three men were charged with affray. Two of the arrested men Byron Brown-Yeo (19) and Keidan Donovan-Philips (20) were refused bail. The third man, aged 20, was granted conditional bail and has to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on May 5, 2022.
Family Grief
Tuala’s family described him as a the “strong one in the family”.
“You deserved a better fate than what you received, so saddened to know that you were the strong one in the family but didn’t even get a opportunity to defend yourself from a cowardly act, you deserve justice,” Nancy Tautaiolefue one of Tuala’s relatives posted on Facebook.
“Our sweet, sweet BOY Evander Bronson TUALA. You came into this world and brought so much LOVE into our family. Now you’ve left us BROKEN,” Niu, Tuala’s aunty wrote on Facebook. “You were stolen from us like a thief in the night. Can’t stop crying!! Love you so much my handsome nephew. Your dad, Pa & especially Nana will be so happy to finally meet her baby boy.”
If you feel distressed reading the story, you can reach out to support services.
For 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14
For Australia-wide LGBTQI peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or webchat.
