Cameron Duce, 22 dies at Gold Coast University Hospital after alleged assault at Burleigh

The father of a young Gold Coast man who died in hospital after an alleged coward punch says his family is shattered. A teenager has been charged.

Cameron Duce, 22, died after being rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital.

The shattered father of a young Gold Coast man who died in hospital six days after an alleged coward punch attack has told of the family’s heartbreak in an emotional social media post, saying: “Our lives will never be the same.”

Cameron Duce, 22, was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition after he was allegedly assaulted at Burleigh Heads about 2.30am on September 22.

Police launched a homicide investigation after Mr Duce tragically died in hospital on Saturday and on Monday QPS confirmed an 18-year-old man had been charged with unlawful striking causing death.

The Robina teen will appear at Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

In a Facebook post, Mr Duce’s father, Chris, told of his family’s devastation.

“As some of you may be aware, there was a serious assault at Burleigh Heads last weekend, leading to a 22-year-old man being hospitalised with critical head injuries,” he wrote.

“That 22-year-old male was our son Cameron.”

Cameron Duce, 22, died in hospital on Saturday.

Mr Duce said Cameron had received “the best possible care” during his time in the GCUH intensive care unit from staff including highly-qualified doctors and “incredible” nurses.

“However, despite all the care and all the best medical interventions Cameron’s head injuries were too severe for him to overcome,” he said.

“We were informed yesterday that Cameron had no chance of any recovery and the family has decided to let our beautiful boy Cameron pass peacefully in his own time.

“We were fortunate enough to have the time to all say our goodbyes, and his long procession of very good mates as well as all his family and close relatives had the opportunity to come and say goodbye.

“The amount of love shown for our boy from everyone who was ever lucky enough to have shared his warm, funny, considerate and caring personality was heartwarming to the family, but nothing will ever replace the massive hole left in our lives with the passing of our beautiful son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, and one of the best people anyone could have ever called a mate.

“He was the son I never deserved, so much better than me in so many ways. We will all cherish the years we had with Cameron, and grieve for the years we will never get to spend with him, never getting to watch him grow further into the fine young man that he had already become.

“Our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same. The world has lost one of the genuinely good people who brought joy, laughter and love to all of those he met.

“Rest in peace my beautiful son, our beautiful boy. We love you so much and miss you so badly already. Go and be the angel you already were.

“Fly high Cammy boy, we all love you and miss you so very, very much. Forever 22.”

Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles had earlier said police had been scouring CCTV footage in an effort to piece together the events of the night.

He said police were pursuing a number of lines of inquiry in the case, and appealed for anyone with CCTV video, dashcam footage or any information to contact them.

“He (Mr Duce) has been out for the night, was allegedly assaulted while he was walking out of the precinct, has fallen, struck his head and that’s caused the fatal injuries,” he said.

Originally published as Cameron Duce, 22 dies at Gold Coast University Hospital after alleged assault at Burleigh