Family of Bradley Ward, killed in neighbour dispute over birds, remember him as ‘unique’

The family of the man allegedly killed during a dispute with his neighbour over bird feeding has remembered him as ‘one of the greatest’.

Bradley Ward died outside his Labrador home on Wednesday after a dispute with his neighbour allegedly escalated to violence. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The man who was allegedly killed by his neighbour on a quiet Gold Coast street has been remembered as a “unique” family man.

Bradley Ward, 60, died on Wednesday morning in Whiting St, Labrador, after a heated discussion with his next-door-neighbour allegedly escalated into a physical fight on the driveway involving a broom, before he collapsed and passed away shortly before 6am.

It’s understood the fight began as a discussion over bird feeding, before it escalated.

Mr Ward’s 48-year-old neighbour was charged with manslaughter and serious assault of the deceased’s elderly mother, and appeared in court on Thursday.

Police allege the neighbour kicked Mr Ward a number of times while he was on the ground and struck him with the broom handle.

Jass Ward paid tribute to her uncle Bradley Ward (pictured in 2000.) Bradley was allegedly killed in a neighbourhood dispute outside of his Labrador home on Wednesday.

Mr Ward’s family have taken to social media to express their grief, including niece Jass who remembered her uncle as “one of the greatest men (she has) ever known”.

“Bradley Ward was so much more than just an uncle to me, he was like a second father,”

Jass Ward said.

“He taught me so much within 22 years and never allowed gender stereotypes to stand in the way of teaching me how to fish, do things on the boat, pump yabbies, shoot, fight, play rugby, bowling, cricket and hockey, tie knots and box.

“He was always the first one there if I ever needed anything regardless of what it was and treated me like the daughter he never had.”

Ms Ward wrote she was “still in shock” and struggled to find the words to explain how “unique” her uncle was.

“I miss you and love you so much Brady and I know you’re up there with so many other mates and family just about to go for a fish now,” she said.

Police are continuing to appeal for more information on the death, and say they want to speak to a female jogger dressed in black pants and a white or grey shirt who ran by about 5.35am.