Former Pro Surfer Chris Davidson Dies At 45 After Sydney Bar Brawl

Chris Davidson, an ex-surfing champion who won his first surfing honor at the age of 15, died on Saturday after allegedly hitting his head falling from a punch in a brawl near Sydney. He was 45 years old.
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Davidson’s biggest claim to fame in his surfing career was when he beat legendary surfer Kelly Slater in two heats of The Rip Curl Pro event when he was 19. Slater wrote about Davidson’s passing on Sunday, saying he was “one of the most naturally talented surfers I know.”

The fight reportedly occurred sometime before 11 p.m. on Saturday in the small town of New South Rocks. Davidson reportedly fell after a punch to the face and struck his head on the pavement. He was briefly treated at the scene before being transferred to Kempsey Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police arrested his attacker, Grant Coleman, at his home the same night. Coleman has been charged with assault causing death and was refused bail. Coleman will be due back in court next weekend.

Davidson’s last professional surfing event was in 2011. He is survived by a wife and two children.