Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann was allegedly punched by Joseph Esmaili in view of CCTV after asking him to stop smoking

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

A Melbourne heart surgeon has died almost a month after he was punched outside a hospital for telling someone to stop smoking.

Police on Wednesday confirmed Box Hill hospital surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann died overnight.

Four weeks ago Pritzwald-Stegmann was hit in full view of CCTV and rushed to the state’s premier trauma centre at the Alfred hospital.

Mill Park man Joseph Esmaili, 22, has been charged over the attack and faced court earlier this month.

The family of Melbourne heart surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann said they were devastated by his death.

His lawyer told the court Esmaili was suffering from a number of psychiatric illnesses for which he had been prescribed medication, as well as drug withdrawal symptoms.

Detective senior sergeant Ian Shepherd told the ABC Esmaili allegedly punched the victim in the head, knocking him unconscious, before fleeing the scene.

The investigation will remain in the control of the local crime investigation unit but will be overseen by the homicide squad.

“Investigators will now await the results of a post-mortem before reviewing charges,” police spokeswoman Natalie Savino said.

Pritzwald-Stegmann’s family said: “Our family is devastated by Patrick’s passing.

“We are grateful for the compassion and support we have received from friends, colleagues and the broader community over recent weeks.

“During this difficult time we ask that we are given the space and privacy we need.”

Eastern Health said Pritzwald-Stegmann, who was the father of twin girls, was an admired member of the senior staff who would leave a lasting legacy as a “decent human being”.

“Patrick was a passionate patient advocate, a generous teacher and had particular skill in thoracic surgery,” the chief executive, David Plunkett, said. “His work was truly outstanding and his commitment and dedication will be sorely missed by his colleagues, friends and patients.”

Pritzwald-Stegmann also worked at several other hospitals in Melbourne including the Austin, the Northern, Warringal private and Epworth eastern.

The Victorian health minister, Jill Hennessy, said Pritzwald-Stegmann was a “fine father, husband and surgeon” whose contribution made for a better health system and community.

“Our compassion and care is now with his loved ones and friends enduring this devastation and heartbreak,” she said.