Friends pay tribute as tradie loses fight for life

FRIENDS of the former Gold Coast tradie who died yesterday after an altercation outside a Cairns pub on Saturday night have shared their grief on social media.

Brett Thomson, 32, passed away in Cairns Hospital yesterday, just days after he was allegedly struck during a row outside a bar.

It is believed he suffered brain damage when his head struck the ground as he fell.

Mr Thomson, described as easy going by friends, lived on and off the Gold Coast for 30 years and was an enthusiastic surfer.

A 20-year-old Trinity Beach man who was previously charged with grievous bodily harm is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court today where the charges will be upgraded to unlawful striking causing death.

Friends took to social media to remember a fun-loving man who adored skateboarding, surfing and spearfishing.

“From strangers to shaking hands with him and immediately having a laugh,” Jake Lara wrote on Facebook.

“I met Brett when I was a lil skate kid, remembering he always had the biggest smile and positive energy when around.

“Ashamed this has to happen to such a great guy.”

Another friend, Matthew Knight, wrote he would see Brett “on the water on the other side”.

“Spewing that we couldn’t get one last dive in hey, but I’m sure there will be good diving where you’re going,” his Facebook post read.

“Oh and by the way, by the time I get there I want you to have the reef sussed out and a bigger boat for us all to use.”