Death by Cricket Bat
From http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/26/2127614.htm
Farmer's death in brawl 'a loss to community'
A friend of the Western Australian farmer who was killed during a violent beach brawl last night says he is still in disbelief at the senseless loss.
Father of five William Rowe, 49, was playing cricket with his family in a car park at Geraldton's Sunset Beach as part of Christmas celebrations.
Around 9:00pm AWDT, the family became involved in a verbal altercation with several men and youths, who then left but returned a short time later in bigger numbers.
Mr Rowe, from Yalgoo, died after he was hit on the head with a cricket bat.
His 29-year-old son was hit with a beer bottle and required more than 30 stitches to his face.
Yalgoo shire president Don Anderson says Mr Rowe's passing is a significant loss to the community.
"I really can't come to terms with what has happened, but Bill Rowe was a very prominent member in our community and will be greatly missed," he said.
"Already 2008 has a black mark on it."
Is it just me, or this a pointless and stupid way to die? I know police already have a general idea who was responsible, see this West Australian article about it, though it looks like there might be a bit of a racist spin to it (and notably coverage on the TV and radio failed to mention certain things).