- Green became close friends with the family after the tragedy
- Worked together on his Stop the Coward Punch Campaign
- Fresh tragedy has struck the grieving family
Australian boxing champion Danny Green has revealed tragic news has struck his good friends the Walker family after they lost their son to a coward punch attack in 2017.
The family’s 22-year-old son Jaiden Walker was killed with a single punch outside Cherry Bar in Melbourne.
Richard Vincec, 26, who had been drinking and had taken cocaine, angrily demanded a handshake from Walker before striking him.
Walker fell, suffering a skull fracture – and despite receiving immediate assistance from two passing doctors, he never regained consciousness.
The Victorian Supreme Court sentenced Vincec to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
‘As a father myself, I could never imagine the pain I’ve put your family through,’ Vincec wrote to Jaiden’s family.
‘I wish I could ask for forgiveness, but I will never forgive myself.’
Now, the Walker family has been struck by fresh tragedy after Jaiden’s father Jon died after a short illness.
‘It is with great sadness that we say Rest in Peace to the incredible man, Jon Walker,’ Green posted on Instagram.
‘Jon and Heidi and their son Ethan, tragically lost their beloved son and brother Jaiden to a Cowards Punch. A horrible situation.’
Green became close with the Walker family through his Stop the Coward Punch Campaign, which he started in 2000.
‘A week after [Jaiden] had passed, the immensely strong Jon contacted me and asked what he could do to help my Coward Punch Campaign,’ Green posted.
‘We could not believe that he reached out to us under such incredibly brutal circumstances.
‘We were holding our annual fundraiser that week and he said he wanted to be a part of it.
‘Jon gave a speech at that fundraiser that had every person in that large room in tears.
‘Every single person was touched and affected by his words. I had tears streaming down my face. I get emotional writing this. It was one of the bravest moments I have ever witnessed.’
In the seven years since Jaiden died, Jon worked regularly with Green and the Stop the Coward Punch Campaign to raise awareness, help prevent further tragedies and assist families struggling through loss.
Green said that Jon was still working with the foundation in his final weeks, despite his health battle.
‘Jon continued to work with the amazing team until falling ill recently, and sadly he passed, cared for by his loving partner Heidi and son Ethan, both equally as brave and resilient,’ Green posted.
‘The universe has lost a truly remarkable, decent, and brave man.
‘Your impact and work with the campaign trying to save others from the same horrendous fate your son and your family endured will never be forgotten, and has absolutely saved lives.
‘You’re a true inspiration, and a true hero. All of as at the campaign salute you Jon.
‘Our thoughts are with Heidi and Ethan . Now you can hug your beautiful boy once again. See you on the flip side bud. Till then, Rest in Peace.’
