Chris Davidson, world surfing legend, dies after being punched outside Australian bar

Australian surfer Chris Davidson, an international legend of the sport, died Saturday night after he was punched outside a bar in New South Wales in Australia. The athlete, known as "Davo," was punched in the face, knocked down and his head hit the asphalt. Although he did not die at the scene, he passed away at a local hospital hours later. 

The fatal episode happened around 11 p.m. at South West Rocks. Emergency authorities found Davidson alive, but unconscious on the ground. The 45-year-old surfer died after being transported by paramedics by ambulance to Kempsey Hospital, according to Yahoo reports.

Following Davidson's death, Grant Coleman, a 42-year-old man, was arrested early Sunday morning and is facing two charges including assault causing death and intentionally choking a person without consent. The alleged offender did not appear in court on Sept. 26 where bail was formally refused, online court records show.

"Davo was an incredibly talented surfer and a true partner in our sport and community. Our thoughts are with his two sons, friends and family at this time," the local Surfing Australia association said through a statement, according to the cited media.

Following the news of the surfing legend's death, several athletes and celebrities expressed their dismay. Kelly Slater, the eleven-time World Surf League champion, paid tribute to Davo from his Instagram account, recognizing him as someone "truly unique" and whom he described as a person with a "big heart who made bad decisions."

In 1996, Davidson defeated Slater twice in a row when the Australian was just 19 years old.

The World Surf League also saluted Davidson, saying it was “saddened” to hear of Davidson’s demise. 

Fellow surf legend Nathan Hedge, who was a close friend of Davidson told the Today Show in Australia that his pal was “robbed too early.” 

“Nobody wins. It’s just the worst thing ever,” Hedge said as he became emotional.

“Not only has Chris been taken from us, the other person’s life is shattered and ruined as well. Nothing positive can come out of this. It’s the worst thing in the world. It’s got to stop. It’s not good enough. It’s just got to end.” 

Hedge concluded, “I will miss him hanging out with our daughters. He was just robbed too early. He had so much more life to give, enjoy and cherish. I will miss his laugh. I will miss his practical jokes, and I just miss his passion. He was always up for anything and I will miss his hugs.

“His motto was ‘Make it mean something. It’s our time!’ He had that passion in the water and in other areas of his life as well.”

Davidson was brought up surfing at North Narrabeen on Sydney’s northern coast, and competed in the World Surf League championship tour in 2010 and 2011.

His best competition was a tie for third at a 2010 Portugal event, during which he was barely defeated by his friend, Kelly Slater, who won the event.

“I felt like I surfed pretty well against Kelly, but when he goes and pulls a 360 Alley-Oop on a nothing wave, it’s hard to fight back,” Davidson said an interview with surfing magazine Tracks when the competition took place.