Tiwi Islands storyteller dies in Malak alleged assault

The nephews of an alleged murder victim have shared a tribute to their beloved ‘Dad Fatbrain’.

A BOLD and powerful voice championing the histories of the Tiwi Islands has fallen silent but the family of a 42-year-old alleged murder victim say the stories will not fade out.

The 42-year-old Tiwi Islands man, who cannot be named for cultural reasons, died at a Malak home on Tuesday evening following an alleged assault.

Loved ones of the alleged murder victim said the 42-year-old was a cultural leader and storyteller, who passed down his oral history to the next generation.

To his nephews, Brayden Wright and Edward Tipaloura, their uncle would be remembered simply and affectionately as “Dad Fatbrain”.

The 16-year-old cousins said their fondest memories of their uncle were sitting and listening to his powerful voice sharing their stories.

“(He’s) just a caring and loving person, he’s a strong cultural and storyteller man,” Brayden said.

Edward said his treasured memories were of his uncle teaching him the island’s culture and dances.

“(It’s) to pass down to our sons of the culture we know,” he said.

Edward said his uncle was an open, loving and friendly man.

The two cousins said the entire community was in shock following his death.

The 16-year-olds said they would be returning to Darwin and the Tiwi Islands from their Victorian boarding school so the family could be together.

Police were unable to confirm if the Tiwi Island man was related to his alleged killer.

The NT News was told the men’s families were going into mediation.

Originally published as Tiwi Islands storyteller dies in Malak alleged assault