A man has been put on trial in the death of former surfing champion Chris Davidson, who died after being beaten outside a pub on New South Wales’ mid-north coast.
Police said they were called to Sportsmans Way in South West Rocks just after 11pm on Saturday after a man was reportedly punched in the face, fell and banged his head on the pavement.
Officers found 45-year-old Davidson unconscious on the ground. He was treated at the scene by paramedics from the ambulance before being rushed to Kempsey Hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.
Police arrested a 42-year-old man at his home in South West Rocks early Sunday and charged him with assault and death.
He was denied bail and appeared before Port Macquarie Bonds Court on Sunday.
Davidson, who grew up surfing in North Narrabeen on Sydney’s northern beaches, competed in the World Professional Surfing Tour in 2010 and 2011.
According to Surfing Australia, the sporting community is mourning the man affectionately known as “Davo”.
“Davo was an incredibly talented surfer and a true individual in our sport and community,” the organization said on Facebook.
“Our thoughts are with his two children, friends and family at this time.”
Eleven-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, whom Davidson beat in back-to-back heats at Bells Beach in 1996 as a 19-year-old wildcard, called him one of the most naturally talented surfers he’s ever known.
‘Lost another soldier yesterday. #RipChrisDavo. Had a lot of good fights with this guy,” Slater said on Instagram.
Davidson, who grew up surfing in North Narrabeen on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, competed in the 2010 and 2011 World Surf League Championship Tour.
His best result was a tie for third place in the 2010 Portugal event when he was narrowly defeated by Slater, who won the event.
“I felt like I surfed pretty well against Kelly, but when he does a 360 alley-oop on a nothing wave, it’s hard to fight back,” Davidson told Tracks surfing magazine at the time.
Friend Nathan Hedge told Nine’s Today Show that Davidson’s death was tragic and that Davidson was a unique character, kindhearted, charismatic and the life of the party.
“He just wanted to make sure you were having a good time, too,” he said.
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