Kings Cross victim dies after life support turned off
A 33-year-old man died in St Vincent’s Hospital after his life support was turned off by his family on Monday afternoon.
Wilson Duque Castillo had been on life support since he sustained serious head injuries during an incident on Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross on December 18.
Following a decision by his family, Mr Castillo’s life support was turned off and he passed away at 3.55pm Monday.
Mr Castillo, a male friend and his brother Wilmer had been refused entry to the Trademark Hotel when a threatening remark was reportedly made to security staff.
Following the remark bouncers allegedly chased them along Bayswater Road eventually resulting in an incident on nearby Darlinghurst Road, where Mr Duque Castillo and his brother both suffered injuries.
Former NRL player and boxer John Hopoate, who was working as a bouncer at the time, was arrested on December 19.
He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray relating to the assault of Mr Castillo’s brother, who suffered facial injuries and was released from hospital.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to help piece together what took place, and lay charges over the second assault.
Kings Cross Superintendent Tony Crandell said the person responsible for Mr Castillo’s death was facing possible manslaughter or murder charges.
Mr Castillo’s wife, Raquel, pleaded for witnesses to come forward and assist police with the investigation.
“Wilson was my partner of ten years – my husband for the last five years – and the father of our four-month-old son Dylan – and I love him very much,” she said.
“But now he has been taken away from me – and there’s a gap in my life, and in the life of our baby son, that can never be filled.
“We need answers – my son and I need to know who did this to Wilson and why.
“He never hurt anyone – all he wanted was a night out after a hard day at work. But instead, Wilson ended up in hospital – and now he is gone.
“Please – if you know something or if you saw something happen … come forward and talk to the police.”
Superintendent Crandell, said investigations are continuing and charges are yet to be laid in relation to Wilson’s injury and subsequent death.
“We need members of the public to contact us and provide information about the full circumstances surrounding the incident outside the nightclub and the events that followed,” he said.
“Whilst a number of persons have come forward and provided investigators with information, I am certain there are more people who saw part or all of the series of events which resulted in Wilson sustaining his injuries.”
Investigators appeal for anyone with information about the altercation involving Mr Castillo to contact Kings Cross Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
By Simon Black
