Piece by: BBC

26 September 2022

• The 45-year-old was hit in the face and fell, striking his head on the pavement, police said.

• He was treated at the scene but died in hospital a short time later.

Chris Davidson, a former Australian surfing champion, passed away after being attacked outside a bar north of Sydney.

After being struck in the face, the 45-year-old fell and injured his head on the pavement, according to the police. He was attended to at the site, but he passed away shortly after.

A 42-year-old guy has been detained and is accused of assault resulting in death.

In 2010 and 2011, Mr. Davidson, who was born and raised in Sydney, participated in the global surfing tour.

He gained notoriety at the age of 19 after being given a wildcard admission into the 1996 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, Australia. He defeated Kelly Slater, the current world champion, twice there.

Mr. Slater was one of those who honoured Mr. Davidson after his passing.

"Had many a good battle with this guy. One of the most naturally talented surfers I ever knew," the 11-time world champion wrote on Instagram.

In 2010 and 2011, Mr. Davidson, who was born and raised in Sydney, participated in the global surfing tour.

He gained notoriety at the age of 19 after being given a wildcard admission into the 1996 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, Australia. He defeated Kelly Slater, the current world champion, twice there.

Mr. Slater was one of those who honored Mr. Davidson after his passing.

"He was an absolute prodigious talent and as flamboyant as he was in the water," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"[He] was a larger-than-life character, and for his life to finish that way is really sad."

The event occurred in the little coastal hamlet of South West Rocks, but police have not provided any other information.

According to local media, the 42-year-old man was denied bail on Monday and will appear in court again in November.