The inquest into the incident began in Lidcombe, in Sydney’s west, today to examine who was responsible for Tuala’s death.
Despite five people having been convicted over the affray that surrounded the death, no one has been charged with the killing.
Two groups of men became engaged in a fight at the Oxford Hotel on April 9, 2022, before they left the venue about 12.30am.
But a second altercation between the groups in nearby Taylor Square minutes later proved fatal for Tuala, who can be seen on video footage collapsing after being struck.
It is unclear who struck the 23-year-old and that will be a central focus of the inquest, the court was told.
A CT scan shortly after Tuala arrived at St Vincent’s Hospital showed a number of fractures along a brain haemorrhage.
He underwent surgery that same day but was later declared brain dead, with his life support turned off on April 11.
Counsel assisting Chris McGorey noted the hearing was a “fact-finding exercise” rather than one that would end with criminal liability being asserted.
But he did note the inquest can make a referral to the director of public prosecution.
“He is a dearly loved young man who was in the prime of his life with a significant amount of promise,” he said.
“His loss is a matter of significant concern for the community.”
About a dozen members of Tuala’s family were in court on today, with some sobbing their way through a re-telling of his death.
One of the men who has been charged with the affray – Keidan Donovan-Phillips – was legally represented at the inquiry and sat in the courtroom.
The court was told police believe Donovan-Phillips was standing close to Tuala when he was struck but NSW Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes will need to rule on his involvement in the death.
