Police were called to a unit complex on Pittwater Road, Manly, after reports of an assault at about 5.45pm on February 27.
They found Guy Haymes, who was not a resident at the complex, with serious head injuries inside a unit. He was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
He died in hospital on Friday, March 15.
Haymes, known to friends as “Creature”, was a high-profile surfer, well-known around the beaches in and around Sydney, from the Northern Beaches to Wollongong.
“We grew up near the beach, we got into surfing when we were very young. Coming from Avalon, that’s what you did, you surfed,” his brother Mark Haymes said today.
Police said he also had ties to communities in Sydney’s south, including Hurstville.
Mark Haymes today joined police to call for anybody who had information about Guy’s death to come forward.
“It’s been pretty hard, just not knowing what happened that day and why someone would actually want to hurt (Guy),” he said.
He said he had “no idea” why Guy had been at the complex when he was attacked, though police said they suspected he was there with “friends and associates”.
Detective Superintendent Patrick Sharkey said detectives have conducted extensive inquiries, but are now appealing for more information from members of the public.
He said police suspected Guy had known his attacker.
“Guy was fun-loving and sociable, and he got along with everyone,” Mark Haymes said.
“Our whole family is shocked and in disbelief that he had his life cut short – and in such a brutal way.
He said Guy, a Manly Sea Eagles supporter and well-regarded community member, was “always looking at the fun side of life”.
At first, he said, the family hoped Guy would recover as he lingered in hospital.
“A few times he opened his eyes, but he didn’t talk, at all,” Mark Haymes said.