Man faces court after one-punch attack kills world champion surfer
A man has faced court over the deadly one-punch assault that claimed the life of former professional surfer Chris Davidson.
The former elite surfer is being mourned by the sporting community after he was attacked outside a pub on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.
Police said they were called to Sportsmans Way at South West Rocks just after 11pm on Saturday following reports a man had been punched in the face, fallen and hit his head on the pavement.
Officers arrived on the scene where they found 45-year-old Davidson unconscious on the pavement.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the nearby Kempsey Hospital, where he died a short time later.
A 42-year-old man was arrested at a nearby home early on Sunday, and was charged with assault causing death.
At Port Macquarie Court on Sunday, he was refused bail.
Surfing Australia says the sport's community is mourning the loss of the man affectionately known as "Davo".
"Davo was an incredibly talented surfer and a true individual in our sport and community," the organisation said on Facebook.
"Our thoughts go out to his two children, friends and family at this time."
Eleven-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, who Davidson beat in two consecutive heats at Bells Beach as a 19-year-old wildcard entrant in 1996, called him one of the most naturally talented surfers he ever knew.
"Lost another soldier yesterday. #RipChrisDavo. Had many a good battle with this guy," Slater said on Instagram.
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