Cameron Duce family in emotional tribute

The family of a man who died after an alleged assault in Burleigh has paid emotional tribute to the ‘intelligent’ and ‘kind-hearted’ 22-year-old, saying he did nothing to deserve what happened to him.

The family of Cameron Duce has paid an emotional tribute to the 22-year-old, who died on Saturday from head injuries he suffered in an alleged assault in Burleigh a week earlier.

An 18-year-old man, Austin Ballard, has been charged with unlawful strike causing death in relation to the incident.

Ballard was granted bail when he appeared at Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday, with his defence team saying he would fight the charge.

The family of Cameron Duce delivering a statement at the Gold Coast District police headquarters in Surfers Paradise. Picture: QPS.

Speaking at Gold Coast District police headquarters in Surfers Paradise, Cameron’s father Chris Duce thanked first responders and hospital staff and said his son had done “nothing to deserve” what happened to him.

“We’d like to thank the first responders who attended – the police and the paramedics – and anyone who helped Cameron with his initial care,” Mr Duce said.

“We’d also really deeply like to give our heartfelt appreciation, love and respect, to all the staff at the Gold Coast University Hospital and specifically the staff in the intensive care unit, the doctors, the nurses and the specialists, who all provided Cameron the best 24/7 care and gave him every possible opportunity to overcome his critical injuries. We thank them all as a team and as individuals, they are all heroes.

“Cameron was a loving, caring, considerate, funny young man. A loved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and cousin. He also had a very large group of close mates, friends and family who were all wishing for the best possible outcome for him.

“He did absolutely nothing to deserve this.”

Cameron Duce, who died after an alleged assault in Burleigh on September 22.

Mr Duce said a wide circle of family and friends stayed by Cameron’s bedside in his final days before he sadly passed at Gold Coast University Hospital on Saturday.

He appealed for anyone with any information that could help police to come forward.

“We know that police are investigating thoroughly and we trust that they’re giving their best efforts to identify, locate and charge the person or persons and any others who were responsible for the actions causing Cameron’s traumatic and ultimately fatal head injuries,” Mr Duce said.

“We also know and accept that this may take some time so we’re prepared to be patient while they do their job.

“If there’s anyone out there with any information whatsoever, no matter how big or small, now is the time to stand up. Please come forward to the police.

“We ask that the community remember and remind ourselves, this sort of reprehensible behaviour is not and should not be tolerated in the community.

“Please remember also that Cameron is an innocent victim through all of this. A beautiful, caring, considerate and loving son, brother, grandson and uncle taken way too soon.

“Cameron David Duce, a beautiful baby boy, son and brother, taken too soon. Forever 22.”

Follow @keithjwoods

Originally published as Cameron Duce family in emotional tribute