Justin Gatto, son of Mick Gatto, found dead in Melbourne’s CBD

MELBOURNE’S Italian community is paying tribute to Carlton identity Mick Gatto’s son, found dead yesterday near an apartment building in Melbourne’s CBD, remembering him as a ‘great bloke’.

Mick Gatto outside Heidelberg court with son Justin.

CARLTON identity Mick Gatto’s son, found dead on Tuesday near a Spencer St apartment building in Melbourne’s CBD, had been battling personal problems.

Justin Gatto, 34, is believed to have died just after midnight.

The Herald Sun understands he had struggled with personal issues recently and spent significant time in Bali.

MICK’S POSSIBLE RETIREMENT?

MY FAVOURITE GODFATHER

Justin Gatto in 2008.

Justin Gatto had worked as a crane rigger.

Mick Gatto is mourning the loss of his son. Picture: Mark Stewart

Investigators will prepare a report for the coroner.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious,” a Victoria Police statement said.

A friend of Mr Gatto has asked that the family’s privacy be respected.

The news filtered through the Italian community yesterday, with Justin remembered as a “great bloke’’.

It is not clear what Mr Gatto was doing near the building, but his brother owns a construction company nearby.

One man who knows the family said they would be “shattered”.

Mr Gatto, who had worked at his father’s crane company as a rigger, was involved in a serious car accident in his early 20s when his BMW crashed in Parkville having fallen asleep at the wheel after a long day working in hot weather.

He spent time in intensive care.

Gatto wrote in his autobiography, I, Mick Gatto, that he would forever be grateful for the work of the Royal Children’s Hospital after Justin was born two months’ premature.

For 24/7 crisis support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au/gethelp