Teenager’s family say Aidan Becker showed ‘extraordinary courage’ during alleged Mernda attack

A man with closely shaved hair has his arm around a man in a yellow and brown striped footy top with a medal around his neck.

Aidan Becker (left), pictured with his father, died from injuries he suffered while trying to protect a teenage boy from an alleged robbery at Mernda railway station. (Facebook)

In short:

The family of a 14-year-old boy allegedly attacked in Mernda last week say they are “deeply saddened” by the death of the man who was fatally stabbed trying to protect the teenager.

Aidan Becker, 22, died at Mernda Railway Station after he stepped in to help the teen who was allegedly being robbed.

The family of the 14-year-old said Mr Becker, “showed extraordinary courage and compassion in risking his life to save our son”.

The family of a 14-year-old boy allegedly attacked by four people in Mernda last week say they are “deeply saddened” by the death of the man who was fatally stabbed trying to protect the teenager.

Aidan Becker, 22, died at Mernda railway station on Friday after he was allegedly attacked by four males aged between 16 and 18.

Mr Becker was attempting to help a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly being robbed and assaulted in an attack involving a machete.

The exterior of Mernda railway station

The alleged attack took place outside Mernda railway station during peak hour on Friday afternoon. (ABC News: Costa Haritos)

Three people, aged 16, 17 and 18, have been charged with murder and armed robbery. Police allege the 18-year-old, Mike Pikos, was armed with a machete when he robbed the 14-year-old.

Police allege the group of males followed Mr Becker after he stepped in during the alleged attack and walked the 14-year-old out of the station. The males then allegedly punched, kicked and attacked Mr Becker with an edged weapon.

Three police officers wearing light blue face masks walk away from railway station entry gates behind lines of police tape.

Police at Mernda railway station on Friday night. (ABC News)

‘Carry his bravery and kindness in our hearts’

Today, the family of the 14-year-old released a statement via Victoria Police expressing their sadness over Mr Becker’s death.

“We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. He showed extraordinary courage and compassion in risking his life to save our son,” the statement read.

“Our family will carry his bravery and kindness in our hearts forever. We hold your family in our thoughts and prayers.

“We request that media respect our privacy while we navigate this difficult time.”

A number of bouquets of flowers wrapped in white paper are propped against a dark coloured wall.

Floral tributes left at the station on Sunday. (ABC News: Costa Haritos)

Mr Becker worked as a security guard and was walking home from work at the time of the alleged attack.

Several bystanders performed first aid before paramedics arrived at the scene, but he was unable to be revived.

Tributes have poured in for Mr Becker following his death.

The Alfred Hospital, which employed Mr Becker as a security officer, remembered him as a “quiet hero”, while his football club said he was “selfless, team-first and always willing to put others before himself”.

Mr Pikos appeared in court today and has been remanded in custody to re-appear in June.