The man accused of killing former pro surfer Chris Davidson on the New South Wales Mid North Coast has been remanded in custody, as the shocked small-knit community tries to come to terms with the death.
The 45-year old Australian surfer died in Kempsey Hospital on Saturday night after allegedly being punched in the head outside the South West Rocks Country Club, before falling to the ground and hitting his head on the pavement.
Grant Alec Coleman, 42, from South West Rocks has been charged with assault causing death and intentionally choking a person.
Mr Coleman did not appear in the Kempsey Local Court on Monday where bail was formally refused.
The country club issued a statement saying that it was "deeply saddened by the events that took place outside our club", confirming they are working with NSW Police to provide "necessary witness statements and CCTV footage".
Local shop owner, Danyelle Macfarlan said everyone in the tight-knit community was very sad and shocked.
"Two lives have really been ruined, apart from the families. It's just really tragic, [a] waste," she said.
"Two really well-known locals, and it's just such a waste of young life.
"They're both in their forties and it's just tragically such a waste and I really feel for their families — both families."
Ms Macfarlan anticipated any funeral would be "quite big" but that for now everyone was still coming to terms with what happened.
"It's quite raw for our community."
Mr Davidson's friend, former pro surfer Stuart Cadden said he felt numb.
"He was just raw and untapped and could just take anyone on — just so much energy," he said.
"He surfed high voltage and he was like that on land."
Mr Cadden said "Davo" would be sadly missed.
"Just good fun, you know a knockabout sort of a fellow as most people would attest. Always up for a beer and a laugh, and you know my kids just adored him and he was just a lot of energy."
Mr Coleman is due to reappear in court on November 23.
