Tributes for Paul Doran after Foster brawl death

Police are offering support to a small country town shattered by the death of a 39-year-old killed during a brawl in a busy South Gippsland street.

It’s understood the fight took place near the IGA supermarket. Picture: Brittany Carlson

Police are offering support to a small country town, reeling over the death of a “gentle soul” after he was tragically killed in a brawl in South Gippsland.

Paul Doran, 39, died after he was involved in a fight with a man on Main St in Foster about 5.45pm on Wednesday.

Mr Doran was treated at the scene by paramedics and later died.

A 43-year-old Foster man was arrested by police but released pending further inquiries on Thursday.

In a statement released by Foster police on Thursday night they said “in light of recent events” their community was still a “safe and welcoming place”.

“Whilst all resources are being utilised to investigate the current incident, local Foster members are heavily focused on the welfare of the local community and assisting in any way possible,” the statement read.

A mobile police facility van will be set up in main street Foster on Friday July 22 and Wednesday July 27.

“If you have any information to offer or require some support to deal with the incident, free discreet counselling services can be offered and organised,” the statement said.

It’s understood the fight erupted near the IGA supermarket.

Hayley told the Herald Sun she was heartbroken over her older brother’s death.

“Paul was a friend to all,” she said.

“He would do anything for anyone when he could.”

She said her brother was loved and was taken too young.

Paul Doran was killed after a brawl broke out in Foster. Picture: Supplied

Shea Kemp said she met Mr Doran when she worked at the Foster Golf Club.

“I’m so sad this happened to be honest,” she said.

“He was a good bloke with a big heart … he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

A resident said Mr Doran was known in the area as a bit of a “troublemaker” but was shocked he had died.

“I was out of town last night but I was just talking to him over the fence yesterday,” the resident said.

It is believed Mr Doran and the other man involved were known to each other and had a bit of a “rocky” history.

Another resident said he was driving home from Leongatha when he saw police.

“I thought it was a bit odd because you don’t really get that type of thing out here,” he said.

“I was shocked, that kind of thing doesn’t happen around here, this is a small town.”

One woman, Shelley, said she saw a paramedic performing CPR.

“We drove past and there were ambulances everywhere, we could see an ambo doing CPR but we didn’t know who it was,” she said.

“We heard the chopper coming in and it circled a couple of times.”

Shelley added: “He’s pretty well known around the town but I never really thought he would be one to cause drama. He has a bit of a reputation but people tend to just leave him alone.”

A man said he was in the pub when it happened.

“There was just one police car and then another one came and then another one and another one. That’s when you know it’s something serious,” he said.

“Police were around for hours checking with shops and they even came into the pub to get footage.”

Tributes on social media describe Mr Doran as a “gentle soul”.

“He was a nice kid … I will miss our chats and the cheek (he) used to give me,” Danielle Taylor said.

“The world has lost a beautiful, gentle soul,” Nicole Inns said.

South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Mohya Davies said the community was coming to terms with the tragedy.

“I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the family of the young person that died yesterday in Foster,” she said.

“Things like this rarely happen in our region and we are saddened by this tragic news.

“My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time and I’m sure our entire community is doing the same.”

Senior Sergeant Scott Morison said police conducted “reassurance patrols” in Foster on Thursday morning.

He declined to comment on how the man died but said it was a matter for the coroner.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.