Sunshine Coast man, Brenton Estorffe, shot dead in Texas home while confronting intruders

The sister-in-law of a Sunshine Coast man gunned down as he defended his family and home from intruders in the US has labelled his killers “monsters” who have created a “nightmare that none of us can wake up from”.

TRIBUTES are pouring in for the Sunshine Coast man who was gunned down in his US home as he confronted intruders in a bid to protect his wife and young children, with friends rallying to support his family.

Friends, family and local neighbours are reeling after Brenton Estorffe was killed in his private home in Texas, after armed intruders broke in.

Australian shot dead in Texas home while confronting intruders

A friend of Brenton’s Coast-based parents told News Corp Brenton and his wife were asleep in their bedroom with their one-year-old child when they realised intruders were in the room.

Brenton Estorffe was shot in Katy Texas, pictured with his family Angelenna Estorffe (Wife) and children Asher and Eliana. Supplied

Brenton’s wife, Angelenna, shielded the child while Brenton attempted to force the intruders out. He was shot dead in the process.

The suspects have not been found, according to local reports, and police say it’s unclear if there was a motive behind the attack.

Brenton Estorffe, who was shot in Katy Texas, pictured with his wife Angelenna Estorffe. Supplied

Mr Estorffe, formerly of the Sunshine Coast, had left Australia to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL, but his American dream turned to tragedy overnight.

His brother Corbin, who also moved to the US to play football, wrote that his “hero” sibling’s death was “still not real”.

Mr Estorffe’s sister in law Brittnay Navarro labelled his killers “monsters”.

“I hope they find the monsters who did this and I hope justice will be served for this heinous act that took one of the best.

“This still feels like a nightmare that none of us can wake up from.

“My brother in law was one of the world’s most bravest, loving, and caring individuals and what happened to him is unbelievable. .”

Linzie Snow, godmother to Mr Estorffe’s children, said to “know Brenton was to love him”.

“He was always there with fun, jokes and stomach ache induced laughter,” she said.

“Words can’t express how tremendous of a loss this is for all those who were blessed enough to get to know him.”

Her partner Alex Snow said the world had lost “an incredibly amazing human being”.

“This guy made me laugh so much, so kind, loving and an awesome dad, husband and close friend,” she said.

“You will be forever missed ‘mate’. “

The Sunshine Coast community is reeling after news of Brenton’s death spread overnight.

Brenton Estorffe’s home in Katy, Texas, where he was shot and killed by intruders.

“So goddamn heartbreaking … such a nice guy,” Robyn Pleysier wrote.

“Rest easy big man, gone too soon,” Jett Hockam wrote.

Mr Estorffe travelled to the US aged 18 for a six-month basketball scholarship in Farmville, Virginia.

He returned to the Coast and studied to be a personal trainer before moving back to the US to play college football for Southern Virginia University. He had been working for the Enterprise car rental company in Texas.

“Brenton will forever be remembered as a loving, selfless and brave father and husband,” Amber Jones wrote on social media.

“I knew how much he loved his kids by the smiles they had on their face every morning when they entered KRK (daycare).

“Y’all will forever be in our hearts.”

Former colleague mark Mozer said “he was heartbroken”.

“I want to support an old co-work and friend’s family through a terrible time! Many blessings and prayers to his family! I am truly heartbroken to hear about this,” he wrote.

Brenton Estorffe headed to the US when he was 18 to pursue his sporting dreams.

A fundraiser for the Estorffe family has been set up by family friend Linzie Snow.

“As you all know the Estorffe’s suffered a devastating loss on Wednesday morning,” she said on GoFundMe

“They have been deprived of a great father & loving husband. No amount of preparation could have prepared them for this adversity.

“At this time Angeleanna has been very distraught and trying to keep a brave face for their children.”

So far more than $5000 has been raised.