King-hit Melbourne teenager Patrick Cronin has died in hospital, leaving behind a family who say their hearts are "broken".
"It is with the heaviest of heaviest of hearts that we have just said goodbye to our beautiful boy Patrick John Cronin," the family said in a statement on Monday.
The 19-year-old footballer was hit outside the Windy Mile pub in Diamond Creek late on Saturday night during a brawl involving up to 30 people.
"We have been overwhelmed with the love our son, and brother, has been shown and it proves to us that he has touched so many people with his wonderful nature," the family said.
"As with his whole life he has put others ahead of himself and leaves us an absolute hero and star."
Parents Matt and Robyn, brother Lucas and sister Emma said they took some comfort from the knowledge Patrick had helped others in need by donating his organs.
"Our hearts are broken but he will forever be in our hearts and he will be the one to get us through this," the family said.
Homicide detectives are investigating.
Patrick had played football for Lower Plenty with his brother on Saturday before going to the Windy Mile.
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 later taken to hospital.
Victoria Police originally issued a statement on Monday morning saying Patrick had died on Sunday night but subsequently retracted it after speaking to the family.
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 said.
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.
