Dead man had ‘heart of gold’
A man whose body was found in the Waimakariri riverbed was a ‘‘big teddy bear with tough stickers’’, a friend says.
Detective Inspector Greg Murton said the man, whose death is being treated as a homicide by police, was Bradley Alan Lomax.
Lomax, 24, was a member of the Rebels Motorcycle Club and father of one. There is a suggestion he recently left the gang.
Lomax’s body was found by a group out four-wheel-driving shortly before 10pm on Monday.
A day before, a message appeared on his Facebook page saying ‘‘Peace out people. The brad shows over (sic)’’.
When asked what the post meant, his account replied ‘‘Ima lay some bodys in the ground an make sure I make it count (sic)’’.
Police launched a homicide inquiry after Lomax’s body was found near Harrs Rd, not far from where schoolgirl Marie Davis’ body was dumped in the river nine years ago..
Lomax’s Facebook page showed he had many tattoos, including one on his chest indicating he had been in the South City chapter of the gang.
His friend of more than 10 years, Stacey Harvey, said ‘‘being a loving friend and a loving father defined him, not being a Rebel’’.
Harvey last saw Lomax on Sunday evening when he visited her for his monthly haircut.
She said he was ‘‘his fine, happy, chirpy self’’ and told her he had just left the gang.
The last 24 hours had been like a nightmare, she said.
‘‘He was a big teddy bear with tough stickers. He would have done anything for anyone.
‘‘He called me his sister and I called him my brother. He comes over, showers, eats, just like normal relatives do.’’
Another friend, Nicole Mulvaney, said Lomax had a young son, whom he loved dearly. ‘‘His son was his everything.’’ He was a really nice, happy person and his mates were struggling to come to terms with his death, she said.
‘‘He was a funny guy who could put a smile on anyone’s face … If you needed help he would be there.’’
Another friend, who did not want to be named, said Lomax had an ‘‘absolute heart of gold’’.
Murton said officers had not yet established how Lomax ended up on the riverbed.
He would not comment on the injuries Lomax suffered or where he might have been killed.