Tributes flow for ‘vibrant’ man who died days after violent CBD assault

A man described as independent and courageous has died after being violently assaulted while walking through a busy CBD.

Tributes have been paid to a Seddon man who died following an assault in Melbourne’s CBD.

Andrew Truman, 44, was walking through Elizabeth St on Wednesday evening when he was set upon by another man near McDonald’s. Hit on the head, Mr Truman sustained serious head injuries and was rushed in a critical condition to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he later died.

Andrew Truman was assaulted by another man near McDonald’s. Picture: 9News

Known by his loved ones as “Chewie”, Mr McDonald is remembered as a “vibrant, independent, courageous man who was unafraid to be himself in any context”.

In a statement from his family, Mr Truman “was a marvellous and fierce supporter of the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man”.

“He didn’t hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or in singing karaoke. May we all have at least an ounce of his flavour,” they said.

“We would also like to thank anyone who stopped to help Andrew Wednesday evening and especially the paramedics, the medical staff at Royal Melbourne Hospital ICU and the officers at Victoria Police.”

An avid AFL fan, Mr Truman was a “passionate” supporter of the Western Bulldogs and a member of the Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club, where he was a life member and played in several premiership wins.

In a tribute to the 44-year-old on social media, president Paul Barrett described his death as a “deeply sad day for all that knew Chewie”.

Williamstown Seagulls FIDA Football Club, where Mr Truman played, said his “enthusiasm for football and especially the Western Bulldogs was infectious” and he “was always ready for a friendly chat”.

Mr Truman sustained serious head injuries. Picture: 9News

Mr Truman was a frequent visitor of the Clocks at Flinders pub, where he would listen to live music and drink a glass of milk.

Homicide squad detectives are now appealing for public assistance in locating Todd Menegaldo, also known as “Rooster”, following the assault. He is described as about 180cm to 185cm tall with a thin build and was last seen wearing a purple zip-up hoodie, dark jeans and a yellow beanie.

Police are searching for Todd ‘Rooster’ Menegaldo in relation to the assault. Picture: 9News

Mr Menegaldo also has a black and white crossbreed staffordshire terrier and frequents the Melbourne CBD, particularly Elizabeth St and Flinders St Station, as well as Mildura and Bendigo regions.

Police caution anyone who sees Mr Menegaldo to not approach him but immediately call triple-0.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a report online.

Originally published as Tributes flow for ‘vibrant’ man who died days after violent CBD assault