Bradley Stanley, Wellington stabbing: Friends pay tribute to ‘beautiful soul’

Detectives are trying to piece together what caused an early morning brawl which led to the death of a young man, who is being remembered as a beautiful soul.

Wellington stabbing victim Brad Stanley. Picture: Facebook

Family and friends have shared heartfelt tributes to a 24-year-old man whose life was tragically cut short in central NSW.

Brad Stanley died at Dubbo Base Hospital on Sunday afternoon after he was stabbed in the stomach earlier in the day.

Friends say Brad Stanley was a “loving, caring soul”. Picture: Facebook

About 7am, emergency services received reports of a brawl outside a home on William Street in Wellington.

Before police arrived, Mr Stanley turned up at Wellington Hospital before being transferred to Dubbo for surgery which was unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Denise Godden said 10 people who were all known to each other were believed to have been involved in the brawl, including 19-year-old man who was found at the scene with facial injuries.

“We’ve been able to speak to a few of those people but we still need the public to come forward,” Detective Inspector Godden said.

“We’re hoping that somebody was driving around with a dashcam, we’re also asking for CCTV footage as well as any witnesses who may be able to all of those people that were at that melee.”

Detective Chief Inspector Denise Godden speaks to media in Dubbo after the stabbing death of a man in Wellington. Picture: Ryan Young

The teenager who suffered facial injuries has been charged with affray and refused bail, Detective Inspector Godden said.

“The majority of people have been assisting us but we still need more people to come forward.

“We do have a description of a vehicle (of interest) however we’ve already seized that vehicle and it’s being forensically examined.”

On Facebook, Mr Stanley’s family and friends expressed their shock and sadness.

“I’ve always had you and I always will, see ya in the Dreamtime my brother,” Daniel Stanley wrote.

“Wish it was all a dream, can’t wrap my head around this,” Kerri-Ann Stanley wrote.

Eliza Thompson said Mr Stanley’s death had shocked her to the core.

“You will be missed by many people, you always had a smile on your face and made everyone smile too,” she wrote on social media.

William Street in Wellington where the brawl took place. Picture: Google

Allan Riley said: “God has gained another angel”.

“One thing I will cherish forever is when you met my son and you instantly fell in love and didn’t want to let him go,” Mr Riley said.

Letisha Goolagong wrote: “RIP my little mate, your heart was pure gold, such a beautiful soul you had”.

Former school mate Billy Mcmillan told The Dubbo News Mr Stanley was his best friend.

“He was such a loving, caring soul,” Mr Mcmillan said.

“Fly high brother till next time”.

Anyone with information about Mr Stanley’s death should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.