'Profound grief' as family comes to terms with dad killed while fishing

Anna Houlahan
Updated July 1 2024 - 9:46am, first published 9:00am

A family has been devastated after an allegedly random, violent attack on a father of three that left him dead.

Andres Pancha, who lived in Cranbourne North with his wife and young kids, was fishing on Frankston pier in Melbourne's south east at 6am on June 29 when he was approached by a stranger and was allegedly murdered.

Andres Pancha was a father to three young children. Picture by Facebook
Andres Pancha was a father to three young children. Picture by Facebook

"This unimaginable act has left our family devastated and in profound grief," Mr Pancha's relative Annabel Dompor Koekemoer said.

"My cousin was a kind and gentle soul, known for his love of nature and his passion for fishing," she said on July 1 on social media.

"His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives."

Andres Pancha 'loved to fish' from the pier with friends. Picture by Facebook
Andres Pancha 'loved to fish' from the pier with friends. Picture by Facebook

Forrest Stevenson, a 36-year-old man with no fixed address, has been arrested and charged with the 45-year-old father's murder.

He faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on June 30 and was remanded in custody until November 6.

The motive for the fatal stabbing is unknown but police believe the two men were not acquainted.

'Keep his spirit alive'

"We are grateful for the outpouring of support and condolences from friends and community members during this incredibly difficult time," Mr Pancha's cousin said.

Australia's court system explained

"Your kindness and prayers mean the world to us as we navigate this tragedy.

"In honour of my cousin's Andres Pancha memory, we ask that you keep his spirit alive by cherishing your loved ones and spreading kindness wherever you go.

"If anyone has any information regarding this senseless act, we urge you to come forward and help us seek justice."

Anna Houlahan

Anna Houlahan

Journalist

Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au