Queensland Police charge 18-year-old following death of Cameron Duce

A teenager has been arrested after he allegedly assaulted a 22-year-old man (pictured) and left him for dead.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested after he allegedly assaulted a “warm, funny, considerate” 22-year-old man who later died in hospital.

Cameron Duce, 22, was found lying on the ground at First Ave near The Esplanade in Burleigh Heads with a serious head injury about 2.30am on September 22.

He was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition but died seven days later.

Following the 22-year-old’s death, investigators have arrested and charged an 18-year-old Robina man with unlawful striking causing death.

He is set to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Gold Coast man Cameron Duce died after he was allegedly assaulted in Burleigh Heads on September 22. Picture: Facebook

Police will allege Cameron had been enjoying a night out with friends when he was allegedly assaulted.

“My understanding is he’d been out for the night, was (allegedly) assaulted while he was walking out of the precinct, has fallen, struck his head and that’s caused the fatal injuries at the end of the day,” Queensland Police Service Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said.

“There was a group of people around the victim. We’re looking for anybody who may have been in that group to come forward, or witnesses who may have seen what was happening.

“There’s been some witnesses that see him and a group of people walking away but whether they’re connected or not we don’t know at this point in time.”

Cameron’s father Chris took to social media to mourn the loss of his beloved son, who he said had received the “best possible care” in hospital.

“However, despite all the care and all the best medical interventions Cameron’s head injuries were too severe for him to overcome,” he wrote.

“We were informed yesterday (Friday) that Cameron had no chance of any recovery and the family has decided to let our beautiful boy Cameron pass peacefully in his own time.

“We were fortunate enough to have the time to all say our goodbyes, and his long procession of very good mates as well as all his family and close relatives had the opportunity to come and say goodbye.”

Mr Duce said his family will miss the 22-year-old “so badly”.

Cameron tragically died in hospital on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

“The amount of love shown for our boy from everyone who was ever lucky enough to have shared his warm, funny, considerate and caring personality was heartwarming to the family, but nothing will ever replace the massive hole left in our lives with the passing of our beautiful son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, and one of the best people anyone could have ever called a mate.

“He was the son I never deserved, so much better than me in so many ways.

“We will all cherish the years we had with Cameron, and grieve for the years we will never get to spend with him, never getting to watch him grow further into the fine young man that he had already become.

“Our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same. The world has lost one of the genuinely good people who brought joy, laughter and love to all of those he met.

“Rest in peace my beautiful son, our beautiful boy. We love you so much and miss you so badly already.

“Go and be the Angel you already were.”

Acting Superintendent Knowles urged anyone with information to contact police.

Originally published as Queensland Police charge 18-year-old following death of Cameron Duce