On the night of Saturday, September 24, professional surfer Chris Davidson — affectionally known as "Davo" within the surfing community and in his personal life — was killed after being punched by a man outside a pub in the town of South West Rocks in New South Wales, Australia. According to The Guardian, after being punched, Davidson fell and hit his head on the ground, and later died of his injuries. According to news.com.au, it was a "one-punch attack" that ended the champion surfer's life. Emergency services were called shortly thereafter, and a crime scene was established.
A 42-year-old man named Grant Coleman was arrested at his home several hours later and charged with assault causing death. He was refused bail and is currently awaiting trial. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Coleman is the brother of Darren Coleman, coach of the New South Wales Waratahs, a professional Australian rugby team.
Davidson was widely respected by many in the surfing community during his life. After beating his friend Jihad Khodr — who was going in the favorite — in the 2008 Rip Curl Pro, Khodr was enthusiastic for his friend. "It was Davo's day and there was not much I could do in the final," Khodr told Surf Europe Mag at the time. "I am stoked to get this second place and I had a great time in France, had a lot of fun competing in the good conditions today so it is all good for me."
