TWO men arrested over the bashing death of Templestowe man David Cassai have been released pending further inquiries.

Templestowe man David Cassai, 22, died in hospital on Monday after he was allegedly set upon by five men on the main shopping strip of Rye at 1am.



Police took a Kilsyth man, 20, and a Yarra Junction man, 22, into custody for questioning after the pair was arrested a Kilsyth home about 5pm.



Victoria Police spokesman Senior Constable Adam West said the men were released shortly after 10pm and the investigation into the tragedy continues.



The homicide squad is urging anyone with further information about the incident to come forward.



Mr Cassai was described as a "gem of a kid" who was a gift to his family, friends and community, his uncle said.



David's uncle Sandro Cassai said his death was devastating.



"David was just a gift to us all," Mr Cassai said. "He will be remembered forever. He was just such a great kid and he will be missed by many."



Mr Cassai called on the media and the government to work together to prevent similar incidents happening in the future.



"They just seem so minor, but they are just so devastating and so tragic," he said.



After the incident, David Cassai was flown in a critical condition to The Alfred hospital, where his family stayed by his side, but he died around 4pm on Monday.

Elisa Cassai, David's sister, told reporters today her brother had a positive impact on everyone.

“She (mother) had just got come back from India. After being there for one month. She didn’t even get to see him and she came back to this,” Elisa said.

"He was the best brother, friend, son, grandson, cousin, a boyfriend that anyone could ask for.



Sister Luisa Cassai said the family and their local community was devastated.



"My parents are devastated. We’re devastated. A whole neighbourhood is devastated," she said.

"He’ll never be a dad. He’ll never be a grandfather. He’ll never have children.”



- with AAP, Erin Marie and Mark Buttler

Originally published as Two men arrested over fatal bashing