Perth father Paul Dougan dies in Bali 10 days after alleged holiday assault

A Perth father has died in Bali, 10 days after an assault his family claim was committed by Australians.

Paul Dougan died on Thursday, his son said online, after being assaulted at a bar on the island.

Mr Dougan suffered 10 broken ribs, and had his spleen removed as part of a series of surgeries following the attack. A fundraiser set up initially for the family’s medical bills surpassed $60,000 on Friday.

Liam Dougan posted updates to his public social media accounts after the attack as his family travelled from Perth to Indonesia to support his father.

In the fundraiser, Liam said his dad “is a father of four who was in Bali on holiday when he was brutally assaulted by a group of Australians who are yet to be identified. They beat and kicked him multiple times putting him in a life-threatening condition”.

The incident happened in central Kuta. Hospital care in the ICU had been costing $4000-$5000 per day, Liam said, as doctors needed to make four blood transfusions and put drains in his lungs and abdomen.

“This was not an accident. Dad did not simply pass away,” Liam said online.

“They kicked and beat my dad leaving him in a life-threatening condition, leaving him dead.

“They are the reason I will never see my dad again. They are the reason my kids one day won’t meet their pop.

“Why did this happen? Why my dad? Questions that I will never get the answer to.

“They will be found, there will be justice, but none of this will bring dad back,” Liam said.

Wellwishers offered condolences online to the family of the man known as ‘Rabbit’, with other people adding the incident was a tragic reminder to buy travel insurance.

“You shall be missed Rabbit, was a great honour to have met you. Shall have a beer in your honour when I get down to Bali next. Rest in peace mate,” one man wrote.

Originally published as Perth father Paul Dougan dies in Bali 10 days after alleged holiday assault