Benny Singleton remembered as ‘beautiful friend’ following fatal stabbing

A former girlfriend of a man fatally stabbed at a Point Cook retreat says she has been left reeling by his death, describing her former love as the “most extraordinary person”.

The best friend of a man stabbed to death outside a Point Cook day spa says she has lost two friends in a fight that turned fatal at the weekend.

Benny Singleton, who died on Sunday after his friend Anthony Ford, 28, allegedly stabbed him outside the Seasons 5 Resort and Spa, has been remembered as “the most extraordinary person”.

Mr Singleton’s best friend, Hayley Gibbs, says she has been left reeling at the allegations her other friend, Mr Ford, could have been responsible for the 35-year-old’s death.

Benny Singleton is being remembered as a ‘beautiful’ friend. Picture: Facebook

“I was just as shocked to know they (Mr Singleton and Mr Ford) knew each other as I know Anthony. We have been friends for a while,” Ms Gibbs told the Herald Sun.

“We had been friends for a while … so I was in complete shock he would do this.”

Ms Gibbs, 33, said she had known Mr Singleton for more than 15 years, with the pair dating as teenagers before becoming close friends.

“He was the most extraordinary person, so funny but yet so smart and he always pushed me to be better as a person and as mum,” she said.

“He was my first love and we stayed best friends until this day. I love you Benny, fly high.”

Ms Gibbs said Mr Singleton had worked as an excavator since he was 18 years old, and loved “playing in the dirt”.

She said he always spent his spare time with his friends and family.

Police on scene at the Point Cook stabbing. Picture: Ian Currie

Ashley Gannon, another close friend of Mr Singleton, told the Herald Sun that she had many fond memories of growing up with Mr Singleton during her teenage years and early 20s.

“He was such a great friend and a big flirt but so funny and a complete character to have around,” she said.

“It has been a huge shock for many of us to hear about Benny.

“He never had a bad word to say about anyone and though our lives took us in different directions, he was always up for a conversation, a laugh and nagging me for a haircut with ‘mates rates’.

“We are all going to miss him so very much.”

Devastated friends have also taken to social media to pay tribute to Mr Singleton.

Jana Jay Maugeri said: “Rest peacefully Benny! A young life taken away too soon”.

Mr Singleton’s cousin, Mim, added: “Our cousin bond and random chats for hours will be cherished. Have a beer with the old boy. Say hi to both our Mas and I’ll see ya when I get there”.

Mr Singleton died on Sunday after suffering stab wounds in an alleged attack at the spa and accommodation venue on Point Cook Rd.

Police say a fight broke out between him and Mr Ford about 2.30pm before Mr Ford fatally stabbed Mr Singleton.

Paramedics were called to the scene a short time later, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to save Mr Singleton.

Mr Ford was arrested at the scene and was later charged with murder and other offences on Monday at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Mr Ford, from Diggers Rest, did not apply for bail and was remanded to return to court on October 9.