Top surfer killed by coward punch in pub brawl

One of Australia’s best surfers has been killed by a coward punch outside a pub on the NSW mid-north coast.

On Saturday night Chris Davidson is alleged to have been the victim of a one punch attack, which caused him to hit his head on the pavement.

Emergency services attended the scene at the Sportsmans Way, South West Rocks.

Davidson was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died shortly after at Kempsey Hospital.

A crime scene was established outside the pub, where forensic officers began their investigation.

Davidson had a stellar career as a surfer and was a member of the Rip Curl Search team in the early 1990s.

In 2010, he had a world ranking of 14. 

In 1996, aged just 19 he famously beat Kelly Slater in two heats at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach in Victoria. 

Davidson was considered “one of the most gifted surfers in the world” at the peak of his career.

Following the incident, a 42-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault causing death. He was refused bail and will front Port Macquarie Bail Court on Sunday.

Irit Jackson - 27-9-22