Gold Coast: Ivan Susin’s sister pays tribute to her brother

The Brazilin community have gathered to pay their respect to the victim of a wild brawl in Surfers Paradise has died in hospital almost two weeks after being knocked unconscious.

Ivan Susin.

THE sister of the Brazilian national Ivan Susin, who died in hospital yesterday afternoon after being punched in Surfers Paradise almost two weeks ago, has paid tribute to her brother.

The 29-year-old Brazilian national died at Gold Coast University Hospital yesterday afternoon after he was in coma for 12 days.

His sister, Joseane Susin, wrote on Facebook this morning: “We, the family, in this moment of deep pain and without any answer to the tragedy that ravages us, seek strength in the solidarity found in each person who, in the last 10 days of unbroken struggle for Kiko’s life, kept the flame of hope burning.

Ivan Susin.

“The barbarism committed against a 29-year-old boy, who went to Australia to realise his first dreams and loses his life, will never be understood.

“However, the quest for justice will not only be a reason to keep us alive, but essentially shall be done so that Ivan Susin, a Brazilian, son, brother, friend and human being of indescribable kindness, will never be forgotten.”

The community have gathered on the Gold Coast to remember Ivan Susin this afternoon.

About 20 people paid tribute to Mr Susin by singing and praying at the Calvary Catholic Church in Miami.

Today, October 12, is the national day of the Brazilian saint — Our Lady of Aparecida Day — and church attendees gathered in respect for Mr Susin.

Ivan Susin.

THE SHOCKING MOMENT STREET FIGHT ERUPTS ON GLITTER STRIP, LEAVING IVAN SUSIN FIGHTING FOR LIFE

One woman, who didn’t know Mr Susin personally, said she was there to pay respect to him.

“I know what happened. Everybody, all the Brazilians, will pray for him and his family,” she said.

A Brazilian reporter was also at the church.

Mr Susin was allegedly knocked unconscious, before hitting the back of his head in a fight over an allegedly stolen chip on the morning of Tuesday October 1.

Organizacao Brasil Australia (OBA) Gold Coast posted on Facebook this morning a tribute message about Mr Susin’s passing.

Gold Coast Brazilian group hold prayers at Calvary Catholic Church for Bazillian national Ivan Susin. (Photo/Steve Holland)

“We wish that today the mantle of our lady Aparecida will involve peace and light the path of Ivan Susin,” they wrote.

“May the kindness and love that our patron represent welcome and comfort for the pain of the family, and that unite us more and more in solidarity and love to the next.

“Regardless of your belief, elevate your heart in prayer for Ivan’s passage by joining the chain of faith that will take place today at 3pm within the pray of the third of our lady Aparecida at Calvary church in Miami.

“We appreciate all the messages of sympathy, which will be taken to the family and we also ask for respect for the moment of suffering and gathering of the family.”

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The Calvary Catholic Church in Miami. (Photo/Steve Holland)

CCTV footage shows Susin entering a melee, allegedly involving Ricky Lefoe, 27, and another 28-year-old man who had allegedly stolen a chip from a man sitting on a park bench out the front of a kebab shop.

Susin can be seen entering the fight and throwing a punch, before a man, allegedly Ricky Lefoe, appears to punch him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and hit the back of his head.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Nick Wang told the Southport Magistrates Court the day after the attack, on Wednesday October 2, that Susin had “severe swelling on the brain” and “may never regain consciousness”.

Ivan Susin, 29, can be seen throwing a punch after intervening, before he is knocked out cold. Gold Coast Surfers Paradise fight assault. Picture: 9News

Ricky Lefoe, a Sydney construction worker, walked from the watch-house two days after the alleged attack.

He was charged with grevious bodily harm and is yet to enter a plea.

Lefoe was bailed on $50,000 surety and he cannot enter any safe night precinct in Queensland.

Lefoe is due back in court on October 16.

A 28-year-old Burleigh Waters man was also charged in relation to the melee. He was charged with one count of stealing and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm. He will appear in court on October 14.