Daniel Christie, teenager assaulted on New Year's Eve, dies in hospital after family turns off life support

Updated

A Sydney teenager who was seriously assaulted on New Year's Eve has died in hospital.

Daniel Christie, 18, passed away after his family took the decision to switch off his life support.

Christie was in a critical condition for 11 days after he was punched during a night out in Sydney's Kings Cross about 9:00pm (AEDT) on December 31.

In an emotional statement, Christie's family paid tribute to his life.

"Our beloved Daniel passed away in hospital surrounded by his family and friends," it said.

"While no words can describe how crushed we are, Daniel fought courageously over the past 11 days which allowed everyone to say their farewells.

"It has also given us all strength and tightened even further the bond our family share.

"Daniel was exceptional. He was a beacon of morality with a heart of gold. We are so proud of Daniel and will strive to live with the core values he possessed: respect, dignity, pride and integrity."

Daniel's family donates his organs to 'honour his spirit'

The family said they hope something positive can come from his death.

"We believe there is no better way of honouring Daniel's generous and giving spirit than by donating his organs," the statement said.

"Unfortunately there’s nothing we can do to help Daniel’s situation, but we are comforted knowing that we can help others."

The Christie family have spoken out against the use of the term "king hit" when referring to assaults, saying "coward punch" is more appropriate.

"We do not want Daniel's death to be in vain and are committed to rallying for change," the statement said.

"A positive change needs to come from such a negative situation.

"We would like 'coward punches' to be a thing of the past. People have the right to go out without experiencing mindless violence."

DPP asked to examine possible murder charge

New South Wales Attorney-General Greg Smith has expressed his sympathies to the Christie family.

"Daniel Christie's death is a senseless tragedy which will rightly outrage and sadden everyone in NSW," he said.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

"I cannot imagine their pain and anguish, their despair and devastation and I am humbled by their dignity and the generous gesture of donating Daniel's organs."

Mr Smith also said he has asked the acting director of public prosecutions to closely examine the case with a view to determining if murder charges are appropriate.

Shaun McNeil, 25, is accused of carrying out the attack on Christie.

He has been charged with three counts of common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Police are expecting to lay more charges against him when he next faces court on March 4.

Topics: law-crime-and-justice, crime, assault, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted