Former surfing star Chris Davidson has died after an alleged assault on the New South Wales north coast overnight.
Key Points:
- Chris Davidson was allegedly punched in the head outside a licensed premises
- A 42-year-old man has been charged with a crime of assault causing death in relation to the events
- Mr Davidson is remembered as one of the most gifted surfers in the world at the height of his powers
Tributes have started pouring in for the 45-year-old, with fellow Australian surfer and former world champion Mark Occhilupo saying it was “tragic news”.
Shortly after 11pm on Saturday night, police were called to Sportsmans Way in South West Rocks following reports that Mr Davidson had allegedly been punched in the head outside a licensed premises.
The Sydney-born surfer fell to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement, and was knocked unconscious before being treated by paramedics.
He was taken to Kempsey Hospital where he died a short time later.
A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with assault resulting in death.
Davidson, affectionately known as “Davo”, had represented Australia in competitions around the world, including the 2009 Billabong Pro in Spain, where he reached the final but was eliminated by Brazil’s Adriano de Souza.
His long association with the Rip Curl search team began at a young age, where together with friend Mick Fanning he shot several freesurf films.
Chris Davidson represented Australia in surfing competitions around the world. (Facebook: Chris Davidson)
The well-known surfing magazine Tracks called him “one of the most gifted surfers in the world” at the height of his powers.
Mr Occhilupo said “Davo” was an amazing but very underrated surfer.
“As a youngster he beat Kelly Slater a couple of times at Bells Beach,” he said.
“He was always in really good form, even if he was behind the eight ball, he always got the job done and got the job done… He wasn’t the guy you wanted to draw in a heat.”
The last time the two saw each other, “Davo” was very happy.
“I had only done something with Chris last year,” Occhilupo said.
“We did a podcast together on stage, one live in Port Macquarie and he was really happy – you know, he’s had some tough times in his life, but he seemed to be in a good place.”
Surfing NSW chief executive Mark Windon said he had heard rumors earlier today that Mr Davidson had died, before seeing social media posts and receiving a few confirmation calls.
The surfing community is expected to say goodbye to Mr Davidson with a “big paddle”. (AAP: ASP/Steve Robertson)
Windon said he “couldn’t believe it” when he heard the news.
“[Mr Davidson] he was a larger-than-life character, and for his life to end like this is very sad,” he said.
“He was one of the most stylish surfers we’ve ever produced in this country. He was a prodigious talent and as flamboyant as he was in the water.”
He added that Mr Davidson was just a great guy who was “up there at the top of the professional world for a number of years, and on his day he could beat anybody”.
The surfing community is expected to come together in the coming days.
“We’re going to have to come together like we always do, and we’re going to make a big paddle for him,” Occhilupo said.