Tara Brown’s brother dies less than eight years after his sister was murdered by a partner

Murdered mother Tara Brown’s brother has died, prompting an outpouring of grief from friends and family.

Father of two Rikki Brown, 30, from the Gold Coast in Queensland, died last week.

The cause of death was not confirmed, but authorities said there were no suspicious circumstances.

His death comes less than eight years after his sister Tara was killed by Bandido’s Sergeant-at-Arms and partner Lionel Patea on September 8, 2015.

Ms Brown was pulled off a Gold Coast road before being bludgeoned to death with a steel cover of a fire hydrant while trapped in her car.

The non-profit group Friends with Dignity paid tribute to Mr Brown, saying in a statement that the “ripple effect of domestic violence is complex”.

Mr Brown is survived by his partner Sade Kerrison and mother Natalie Hinton, along with their two young children.

Father-of-two Rikki Brown (pictured), 30, died last week. Authorities said the circumstances were not suspicious

His sister Tara Brown was 24 when she was tragically killed by her biker enforcer boyfriend

Friends have paid tribute to the popular Gold Coast local, who helped his mother, Natalie Hinton, start the Tara Brown Foundation

“Rest in peace Rikki, no more pain. Our deepest condolences go out to our friend Natalie Hinton and her family at this very difficult time,” the statement said.

“Having lost her partner/husband Patrick 20 years ago and then her daughter Tara Brown, Natalie has now lost her son Rikki.

“The knock-on effect of domestic violence is complex.”

The charity said the upcoming birthdays and anniversaries related to his sister and father may have been “a trigger”.

“We will never know, but what we do know is that the effects of domestic violence have long-term repercussions,” the statement said.

Mr Brown was a talented footballer who played rugby from his early school days.

Friend Lesi Tawaki wrote that he couldn’t believe his pal had left after catching up to him just a few days ago.

“On Saturday afternoon after our game, we had a beer and talked about our game. And not once did I realize anything was wrong,” he said.

“I woke up this morning with tears in my eyes and mixed feelings after learning that you left us. Little did I know that Saturday night was the last time I said goodbye to you.«

The pair were both senior team members at Griffith Uni College’s Knights Rugby Union Club.

In a statement, the club said they were deeply saddened by Mr Brown’s death.

“Rikki was not part of our club for almost 25 years and was a very popular member of the playgroup.

“Our love and thoughts are with Rikki’s mother Natalie, partner Sade, children Patrick & Irie and the extended family at this time.

“His smile, laugh and cheeky grin were contagious… A great man, father, son and friend has left this earth but will be in our hearts forever.

Mr Brown was close to his sister prior to her tragic death on September 8, 2015.

Ms Brown had dropped her three-year-old daughter Aria at daycare the morning she was killed by Patea.

Patea hit her with a 7.9 kg steel fire hydrant cover he grabbed by the side of the road before being sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.

Aria is now in the care of her grandmother Mrs Hinton.

Mr. Brown (left) was close to Tara (right). Tara’s daughter Aria is now being cared for by Mrs Hinton

Mr. Brown was a passionate footy player, having played throughout high school and for the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights senior team

Both she and Mr. Brown established the Tara Brown Foundation for Domestic Violence Relief.

A GoFundMe was started by friend Santana Morgan to help with funeral expenses and support Mr Brown’s young children.

“Rikki was the most loving son, partner and father to his children and stepchildren.

“The family appreciates all your kind words, hugs and support. I would like to ask you all to support Rikki’s family during this time,” she said.

Friend Keen Taufale recalled how Mr Brown had helped him when he moved away from New Zealand as a schoolboy.

“When I was 12 and starting at Benowa High School. My first week I struggled not knowing anyone… All my teachers said I could get along with this kid Rikki who was on vacation at the time.

“When he came back, we all had the same courses and hit it off straight away.”

“Then I joined the rugby club he was playing at… We played a couple of seasons inside and outside the center until I couldn’t keep up with him… We ended up hanging up our boots and getting our clubs.”

A memorial service will be held at Southport Church of Christ on the Gold Coast on March 22nd.