Cole Miller, 18, who was allegedly attacked by four men in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley in the early hours of Sunday night, has died in hospital.
The teenager was allegedly the victim of a one-punch attack around 3:35am last night, when he was struck in the back of the head, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement.
He was taken to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition, but police confirmed he died from his injuries this afternoon.
Two men – Armstrong Renata and Daniel Maxwell, both 21 – faced Brisbane Magistrates Court today and were charged this afternoon with grievous bodily harm over the assault. Both remain in custody.
“This is a random act of violence, there is no indication the victim knew who the offenders were,” Acting Inspector Tom Armitt said.
Cole was a member of the Brisbane Barracudas Water Polo Club and was out with a teammate the night he was attacked. They were taking a break from training ahead of their national championships game in Adelaide this Thursday.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce that our 18-year-old son Cole has today passed away as a result of massive brain trauma,” he said. “He has struggled bravely in the intensive care unit of the Royal Brisbane Hospital, and our family and many close friends have been by his bedside since the incident.
“Cole was a beautiful, brave young man with his whole life yet to be lived. The Miller family would like to sincerely thank the support provided by Cole’s school friends from Brisbane State High, and the water polo community, and the many many others who have sent messages of love and hope.”
Flag at the Mooloolaba SLSC is at half mast. One-punch victim Cole Miller was a 3rd generation member here. #9News pic.twitter.com/QI7bSnQQTE
— Joel Dry (@JoelDry9) January 4, 2016
RIP.
