In today’s game against the Geelong Football Club, Richmond star Brandon Ellis took to the field wearing a black armband for his childhood friend, Eurydice Dixon. The two had grown up together in the same housing commission flats.
Ellis and Dixon had also attended Princes Hill Secondary College in Carlton North, together.
Commentator Eddie McGuire explained Ellis’ tribute during the match:
Nankervis snaps truly while Eddie McGuire explains Brandon Ellis’ tribute to Eurydice Dixon.#AFLCatsTigers pic.twitter.com/oJ3EIgxcdu
— AFL (@AFL) June 17, 2018
Tributes to the 22-year-old have come from friends, family, and comedians in the industry heartbroken by the loss of a “born performer”. Dixon’s great uncle had remembered his niece as a “fun, lovely, and engaging person”.
Dixon’s body was found in Princess Park, Carlton North, just hours after walking home from a successful comedy gig at the Highlander Bar, Tuesday night. Moments away from reaching home, Dixon had sent a text message to her partner of four-months saying “I’m almost home safe, HBU”.
Victoria Police‘s response to Dixon’s murder has since drawn criticism as they advised people to “be aware of their own personal security and just be mindful of their surroundings.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews released a statement on Thursday responding to Dixon’s alleged rape and murder by saying violence against women in Australia will never truly end until we stop blaming the victim.
On Monday, June 18 the Reclaim Princes Park vigil will be held between 5:30PM-7:30PM in honour of Dixon’s life. The vigil will also reaffirm a woman’s right to be in a public place without the fear of violence.
19-year-old Broadmeadows man, Jaymes Todd, was charged with one count of rape and one count of murder at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday. He will appear in court again on October 3.
This article discusses sexual assault. If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, please contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
