Teen dies after being stabbed at basketball stadium in Werribee

Students and staff are “shocked and bewildered” by the Werribee basketball stadium death of “promising” teenager Bless Mulukwat Akoch.

Bless Mulukwat Akoch died after he was stabbed at Eagle Stadium, Werribee. Picture: Supplied

The fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Bless Mulukwat Akoch has left his entire school community “shocked and bewildered”, the teenager’s school principal says.

Good News Lutheran College principal Fiona McAuliffe told the Herald Sun additional counselling and pastoral support had been made available to family and students who are “suffering the loss of a student and a friend”.

“As a school community our focus is on supporting his family and friends who are

shocked and bewildered at his sudden death,” Ms McAuliffe said.

“The entire school community is mourning the loss of Bless Akoch who tragically lost

his life on Friday night.

“His family is suffering the loss of an only son and grandson.

“My highest priority is to provide the services and support needed to ensure the emotional stability of the students who form our student population, and who will, in no doubt, be impacted by this tragedy.”

A vigil will be held for Bless at the Werribee basketball stadium where he was stabbed.

Ms McAuliffe said special counselling sessions began for the school’s Year 12 cohort on Monday.

Bless Mulukwat Akoch died after being stabbed at Eagle Stadium in Werribee.

Bless, who began studying at Good News when he was in Year 11, had been studying Year 12 mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English and Accounting.

Ms McAuliffe said the teenager also loved playing sport and listening to music.

“If he wasn’t on the basketball court, he would likely be singing along to his favourite song.”

Victoria’s Sudanese community has expressed its grief over his death, saying he was “a promising young person” and locals were “heartbroken”.

South Sudanese Community Association in Victoria (SSCAV) president Ring Mayar said they would be working with other local leaders to support Bless’ family.

“Our community is saddened and heartbroken to lose a promising young person, Mr Bless Mulukwat,” Mr Mayar said.

“Police are investigating and community leadership will support the mother and the extended family.”

Bless Mulukwat Akoch attended Good News Lutheran College and is being remembered as ‘a good guy’.

Friends of Bless are raising money to help pay for his funeral and have set up a GoFundMe page.

“Bless was a diligent young man, who took pride in his education and was determined to graduate from Good News Lutheran College this year,” the fundraiser said.

“It is highly unfortunate that he was taken away from this world so soon, as he was barely able to celebrate his 18th birthday.”

Just over $700 has been raised since the campaign began on Saturday afternoon, with a goal of raising $10,000.

Bless, from Wyndham Vale, was stabbed at Eagle Stadium shortly before 6pm on Friday and later died in hospital.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested over the stabbing and questioned by police but later released without charge, pending further inquiries.

A Werribee man, whose daughter was playing basketball, said he saw someone running out of the stadium with a knife in his hand.

“It was really scary, we didn’t know what was going on at the time as there was a lot of commotion,” he said.

“I turned and saw a man bolting with a knife in his hand, it was really scary.”

Police at the entrance to the basketball stadium in Werribee. Picture: David Geraghty

The teenager was remembered as “a nice guy”, with friends saying he was “just chilling and joking around” only hours before his death.

“He was a nice guy; of course there’s people who didn’t like him, or he didn’t like, but we didn’t think it’d get to this extent where someone’s life would be taken,” friend Jonathan Bonsang said.

The friends said they were “devastated” when they found out about the deadly stabbing on social media.

“We see him almost every day,” Epz Solomona said.

“He’s not a bad kid, we joke around, that’s all we did.”

In a touching tribute Mr Solomona posted on Instagram, “Thank you, since the beginning you embraced me”.

“You taught me everything, the good, the bad, the ugly.

“We have a love-hate relationship but you helped me make me who I am today.

“Before I signed any contract ever in my life, I signed myself to you. (sic) the streets and I promise to represent you forever.”

One of the friends said Bless’s cousin “fainted” when the news broke.

Police and SES search the area. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Bless’s friend Liz, speaking on behalf of a group of his friends, said it was heartwarming to see so many good people honour his memory.

“Bless was a good soul, sadly he was taken too early,” she said.

“Can’t help but wonder what life he would’ve had. Bless was destined for greatness, bound to do bigger things.

“With just one semester of school left Bless was supposed to start a life of his own, grow and see the world for himself.

“He never failed to make others laugh, brightening each room with his smile. He never backed down from a challenge and always took them head on.

“I can’t even begin to put it to words how unreal and painful it feels to be putting R. I. P next to his name.”

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Police interview a witness at the scene of the stabbing. Picture: David Geraghty

Police at the scene at Eagle Stadium in Werribee. Picture: David Geraghty

Detectives remained at the Ballan Rd stadium on Saturday morning, talking to SES crews and stadium workers as they pieced together what led to the attack.

A mum, whose daughter was playing basketball at the time, said the incident was “shocking”.

“My friend saw someone on the floor in the corridor just after he had been stabbed,” she said.

“These were under-8 games and it’s lucky nothing more serious happened.

“I think security need to do checks at the door. It’s really concerning that you can’t even feel safe to take your kids to a junior basketball game.”

Police and SES outside the stadium. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police outside Eagle Stadium on Saturday morning. Picture: Miles Proust

Meanwhile, police are also investigating the stabbing of a man in his 20s after an altercation between a group of men at Hoppers Crossing on Friday evening.

Emergency services were called to a reserve off Guinane Ave about 6.50pm after a man, believed to be in his 20s, was found suffering from stab wounds to his back.

Police investigators have been told the man was involved in an altercation with a group of males which escalated.

He was taken to hospital in a stable condition and the ­investigation was well under way, a police spokesman said.

Anyone who witnessed either incident or has further information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000