A Melbourne teen who died after being hit while reportedly trying to help a friend caught in a pub brawl has been remembered as a "hero and star" who always put others ahead of himself.
Young footballer Patrick Cronin, who was king-hit outside the Windy Mile pub in Diamond Creek late on Saturday night, died in hospital on Monday with his family revealing his organs were donated to help others in need.
It's understood Patrick wasn't involved in the brawl but was trying to help a friend when he was hit around 11pm.
He walked home but was rushed to hospital soon after and his family made the heartbreaking decision to switch off his life support on Monday.
In a statement signed off by his parents Matt and Robyn, brother Lucas and sister Emma, the family said Patrick would be remembered as an "absolute hero and star".
"Our hearts are broken but he will forever be in our hearts and he will be the one to get us through this," they said.
They said they had taken comfort in knowing the 19-year-old had helped others in need by donating his organs.
Patrick had played football for Lower Plenty with his brother on Saturday before going to the Windy Mile.
It's alleged there were no security guards at the venue on Saturday night, but it's unclear whether having security is a legal obligation.
Hundreds of people commented on family members' Facebook pages expressing devastation and sorrow.
"Words just can't express how sad we are all feeling - such a beautiful, gentle boy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers," one posted.
Premier Daniel Andrews said Victorians were supporting the Cronins with their thoughts and prayers.
"I'm confident that Victoria Police will do everything they need to do to bring the perpetrator of this cowardly act to the justice that that person so richly deserves," Mr Andrews told reporters on Monday.
Homicide detectives are investigating.
Victoria Police originally issued a statement on Monday morning saying the teen had died on Sunday night but subsequently retracted it after speaking to the family.
Police on Monday night released an image of a man they wish to speak to over the attack.
He is described as Caucasian, with a solid build, has dark hair and was wearing a light coloured t-shirt with blue sleeves with a pocket on the front, dark pants and dark shoes.
It is also believed he has a tattoo on his right bicep and upper arm.
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