The small mid-Canterbury town of Rakaia is in shock at the murder of one of its sons in Auckland.
Nicholas Clarkson, aged 23, died in Auckland Hospital yesterday at 4.30 pm from head injuries he suffered when beaten with a piece of wood in downtown Auckland on Friday.
The telemarketer had been living in Pt England after moving to Auckland two or three years ago.
His parents, Fred and Linda, flew to Auckland on Saturday to be at his bedside. Nicholas Clarkson was found at the corner of Gore and Quay Sts at 4.30 am on Friday. His wallet had been stolen.
His identity was not known but his bag was later found about 200m further along Quay St.
Mr Clarkson was a member of Rakaia's volunteer fire brigade. The fire chief, Ron Smith, said Mr Clarkson was a good rugby player, having played for the Rakaia senior reserves.
He said the murder had shocked Rakaia.
"We had our annual barbecue and gunshoot today and everyone knew. Then we got messages on our pagers to say Nicholas had passed away."
In Auckland last night he was remembered by friends at an impromptu shrine - a bouquet and a small candle - at the scene of the attack.
They said he was a big, strong man who looked tough but was gentle and friendly.
Mr Clarkson finished work in the inner city late last Thursday and walked to the Lenin Bar on Princes Wharf to meet friends.
He left there about 2.30 am and went to a nearby Star Mart to buy food.
He separated from his friends and went to the ASB automatic teller machine in Queen Elizabeth Square, where he withdrew money.
Police believe he was attacked between 3 am and 4.30 am. Detective Senior Sergeant Jim Gallagher said police were trying to track down homeless people in the area who might have seen the attack. Anyone with information can call 0800 VIOLENCE (0800 8465-3623).
Community in mourning as beating victim dies
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