Family remembers Andrew Truman as a ‘courageous man’ after callous Elizabeth St assault

A man who died after sustaining critical head injuries in a senseless attack on Elizabeth St is being remembered as a “vibrant, independent, and courageous man”.

A man who lost his life after sustaining critical head injuries in a senseless attack, is being remembered as a vibrant person who “was unafraid to be himself”.

Andrew Truman was walking onto Elizabeth St in Melbourne’s CBD on Wednesday night when he was callously set upon by another man in a violent assault near McDonald’s.

Police say the 44-year-old was struck in the head and sustained significant, life-threatening head injuries. He was taken to hospital but later died, leaving behind his loving family.

In a statement, Mr Truman’s loved ones described him as a “vibrant, independent, courageous man who was unafraid to be himself in any context”.

“He was a marvellous and fierce supporter of the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man,” the Truman family said.

“He didn’t hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or in singing karaoke. May we all have at least an ounce of his flavour.”

While still in shock about Mr Truman’s loss, the family thanked those who helped him on Wednesday following the incident.

“We would also like to thank anyone who stopped to help Andrew Wednesday evening and especially the paramedics, the medical staff at Royal Melbourne hospital ICU and the officers at Victoria police,” they said.

Andrew Truman, 44, is being remembered as someone that was always happy to be himself, after he died following a violent assault on Elizabeth St last Wednesday. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Truman was a multi-premiership player and life member of the Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club.

President Paul Barrett paid tribute to Mr Truman, who the club nicknamed “Chewie”, in a touching social media post.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Truman family at this time. A deeply sad day for all that knew Chewie,” he said.

Williamstown Seagulls FIDA Football Club, where Mr Truman previously played, described the passionate Western Bulldogs supporter’s enthusiasm for football as “infectious”.

“He was always ready for a friendly chat,” the club posted to social media.

“Go long with the wind.”

Meanwhile, family friend Len Sherrott said Mr Truman “was always happy just being himself” and “enjoyed the company of his friends around him”.

Other friends said Mr Truman frequented the Clocks at Flinders pub often and enjoyed singing along when musicians played on a Saturday night.

Homicide Squad detectives are now appealing for public assistance to locate Todd Menegaldo, also known as “Rooster”, following the serious assault.

Mr Menegaldo, who also had a black and white crossbreed staffordshire terrier, is known to frequent the Melbourne CBD – particularly Elizabeth St and Flinders St Station – as well as Mildura and Bendigo.

He was last seen wearing a purple zip-up jumper, dark jeans and a yellow beanie and is described as being approximately 180cm to 185cm tall with a thin build.

Police urged anyone who saw Mr Menegaldo to immediately call triple-0 and to not approach him, while those who may have information on the incident should contact Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as Family remembers Andrew Truman as a ‘courageous man’ after callous Elizabeth St assault