Andres Pancha: Dozens attend vigil for slain fisherman at Frankston pier

Community members braved icy conditions to pay tribute to a father-of-three allegedly killed in a random attack.

Filipino father of three Andres Pancha was allegedly stabbed to death on Frankston Pier. Picture: Supplied.

Dozen of community members have braved the icy weather in Melbourne to pay their respects to a local fisherman allegedly killed in a random attack.

Andres Pancha, 45, was fishing on Frankston Pier on June 29 when he was allegedly attacked by homeless man Forrest Stevenson, 36, before 6am.

A week later, on Saturday morning, local residents and family of Mr Pancha gathered at the pier for an early morning vigil.

Mr Pancha was allegedly stabbed to death on Frankston Pier. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Pancha’s sister thanked the assembled group the support “really helps ease the pain of the family”.

“The spirit of the community of Frankston shines through in moments such as these,” federal member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea said.

“Condolences to Andres family and friends on their loss.”

The vigil was held at dawn. Picture: Facebook/Advance Frankston

Mr Pancha was a member of Melbourne’s Filipino community, with friends describing him as a “true gentleman”.

“So shocking to hear he has been taken so young and in this terrible way. Fair winds and smooth seas,” former colleague Lee Seddon wrote on social media.

Mr Patcha died at Frankston Pier last Friday. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Mr Stevenson was allegedly arrested nearby and has been charged with murder.

Police said the men were not known to each other.

Originally published as Andres Pancha: Dozens attend vigil for slain fisherman at Frankston pier