A Perth man named Peter Heppel, who had lost his six-month-old daughter in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, was reportedly killed while celebrating his 57th birthday at his own restaurant in Krabi, east of Phuket, Thailand.
Heppel was allegedly attacked with a knife by the husband of a former employee relating to a dispute over her pay. A 24 year old Thai suspect is now in custody after being arrested yesterday.
Police tape cordoned off the area and restricted the public from getting close to the beachfront bar and restaurant as police combed the bar for clues earlier this week.
Heppel was a well-known businessman in Perth and Phuket and a football player who played in the 1990 state football premiership and kicked over 70 career goals.
He was described as a “larger than life character” by his friend Craig Dalton from the North Beach Football Club. Dalton added that Heppel was “a very well-liked and respected person, a very generous fun-loving friend to many.”
Heppel’s sister, Karen Bormolini, shared the news of her brother’s passing on Facebook, saying that her beloved brother had been reunited with his baby girl.
“We are devastated to post that Peter’s life was taken suddenly and violently on his 57th birthday in Krabi Thailand. Peter will be remembered as a larger than life character, who walked to the beat of his own drum and lived life to the fullest.”
“He survived motorbike accidents and miraculously the Boxing Day Tsunami! Peter loved his daughter Aly, the ocean, beer, footy, and Thailand. The family is so grateful that we were able to spend time with him recently.”
