Family of killed man goes to US

THE devastated family of a Darwin man killed in a street fight in San Francisco are believed to have arrived in the US to bring their son’s body home.

San Francisco police have detained two people over the death of Woolner resident Matt Bate, who is believed to have been on a holiday.

Police said Mr Bate died after an argument with two men about 2.15am on Friday.

The death is being investigated by the homicide unit. No weapons were involved. Officer Giselle Talkoff, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco Police Department said Mr Bate allegedly got into a verbal altercation with more than one suspect that turned physical.

In a statement, his family paid tribute to the 33-year-old.

“Matt lived life to the full extent. He loved his family and friends,” it read.

NBC has reported Mr Bate died near the Da Vinci Villa hotel.

Retired Australian policeman Rod McLennan said it appeared Mr Bate was king hit.

“It looked like there’d been a fight and someone has hit their head on the ground,” he told NBC.

Mr Bate has lived in Darwin for about a year. His Linkedin profile lists his job as a chemist for SGS Australia.

His family live in Ocean Grove near Geelong.

Mr Reid owned Central Car Rentals in Alice Springs.

— Hayley Sorensen