Community rallies against violence as tribute flows for Valley stabbing victim

Tributes have flowed for “kind-hearted” Lauie Michael Tagaloa, who was fatally stabbed in the neck during a brawl in a Fortitude Valley food court early on Monday morning, with numerous people telling accounts of his selfless support.

Tributes have flowed for “kind-hearted” Lauie Michael Tagaloa, who was fatally stabbed in the neck during a food court brawl early on Monday morning.

It comes as loved ones have spoken out online against violence after the bloody fight was caught on film.

The 24-year-old’s body was found in the food court of the Valley Metro complex, which is home to the Fortitude Valley train station, about 4am on Monday.

Inspector Sean Cryer earlier said police were watching the city safe Brisbane City Council CCTV about 4am when they saw an altercation between two groups.

“On closer examination they saw a male person lying on the ground and persons nearby had blood on them,” he said.

“Police will allege an altercation occurred between two groups of men in a Brunswick Street mall at approximately 4am,” police said in a statement.

“The altercation allegedly continued inside a shopping complex off Brunswick Street.

“During this altercation, it is alleged the 24-year-old Bray Park man was fatally stabbed.”

In a Facebook post, a woman referred to Tagaloa as “my brother, my best friend, my security guard, one of my favourite people”.

Lauie Michael Tagaloa was found stabbed at the Fortitude Valley train station 4am Monday. the death is being treated as suspicious – Photo Supplied Facebook

“This is one of the hardest goodbyes I’ll have to say, I can’t believe I’m even writing this and I can’t even put into words how I’m feeling right now,” the woman wrote.

“You had my back since the day I met you, you were one person I could always rely on to be there for me no matter where or when, you’ve helped me and saved me so many times.”

“ … You will always hold a place in my heart and I don’t think I will ever be able to process this – I’ll see you on the other side. I love you, Rest In Peace.”

Meanwhile Kalemb Hart wrote “RIP my bro thought and prayers go out to the family and friends in Brisbane, good times in school with the lad great mate gone too soon.”

Liam Boaza wrote “Rest easy uso, ️can’t believe it man … life really is too short. Prayers and thoughts being sent to the Tagaloa family xx”.

Liana Tongia also penned a tribute to Tagalo, nicknamed “LT”.

“I will miss your soul Lauie Michael Tagaloa. You are so loved, admired and a blessing to all x Rest In love my ‘LT’ brother,” she wrote.

Lauie Michael Tagaloa (white stripes on shoulders), was found stabbed by a person (white jeans male) at the Fortitude Valley train station 4am Monday morning. the death is being treated as suspicious – Photo Supplied

Brodie Cecchini wrote “Rest In Peace brother – ️ I’ll be down here making you proud my boy – Gone but definitely not forgotten”.

The man accused of stabbing Tagaloa has been identified as Seyram Kwami Djentuh.

Djentuh and has been charged with murder. He had his case mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning with the matter adjourned to August 8.

A GoFundMe, created by friend Jordyn Cooper, has since raised over $5174 for the Tagaloa family. 

“One of our closest mates passed away due to an incident in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley – he was such a kind-hearted person who cared for everyone else but himself,” it read.

“He never deserved any of this.”

Friends and family have started sharing the GoFundMe page on social media and speaking out against the violence which killed their beloved “brother”.

Blake Pieper, friends with Jordyn Cooper who started the fundraising campaign, shared numerous heartfelt messages.

The Fortitude Valley station was closed all day yesterday (Monday) after a bloody fight ended in the stabbing death of 24-year-old man Lauie Michael Tagaloa. Police detectives on the scene. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Today taught me your mates can be there one day and gone the next,” he said.

“I wish to push love against anyone and everyone young, old, ugly, beautiful, strong or weak … at the end of the day violence and drama will only get you killed.

“I lost my brother and I feel so lost so please look after your loved ones and tell them that violence isn’t worth the risk.”

It is understood Mr Pieper and Mr Cooper hosted an evening for friends and family of Tagaloa to get together and mourn collectively on Monday.