Former Australian surfing champion Chris Davidson died after an alleged assault outside a bar on the New South Wales (NSW) mid-north coast.

Davidson, 45, had allegedly been punched in the face, fell to the ground, and hit his head on the pavement, rendering him unconscious outside licensed premises at Sportsmans Way, South West Rock on Sept. 24, NSW police said in a statement.

Emergency services received the call just after 11 p.m. local time and treated Davidson at the scene before taking him to Kempsey Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

NSW Police arrested a 42-year-old man and charged him with assault causing death.

The Sydney Morning Herald identified the suspect as Grant Coleman, the brother of Waratahs coach Darren Coleman.

Coleman refused bail and appeared in court on Sept. 25. His next court appearance is set for November, according to local media.

Davidson rose to fame at the age of 19 in 1996 when he was granted a wildcard entry into the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, Australia. He defeated reigning world champion Kelly Slater in two consecutive heats.