Heartfelt tributes are flowing for a delivery driver after he was allegedly stabbed to death in Melbourne on Friday.
Jianming Feng was one of two people allegedly attacked after seeing a man tampering with their bikes in Melbourne’s city centre.
The two men confronted a 51-year-old and an altercation occurred, with both allegedly stabbed and emergency services called.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, Feng, 47, died at the scene.
His 34-year-old colleague was taken to hospital.
The 51-year-old man involved in the altercation was arrested and interviewed by police on Saturday.
A GoFundMe established for Feng’s family by the Melbourne Chinatown Business Association has raised more than $170,000 in less than 24 hours.
In its description, organisers described the 47-year-old as a hard-working family man.
Feng moved to Australia from Shaanxi Province, China, around 2017 to support his wife and two children, who remain in China.
Money made as a food delivery driver in Melbourne was “rarely spent on himself” and, instead, supported his family at home.
“He was simply a hardworking man trying to give his family a better future,” organisers wrote.
“His colleagues remember him as incredibly diligent, generous and kind-hearted.”
Feng’s family are planning to travel to Melbourne after his sudden death.
“His wife has lost her husband. His children have lost their father. His elderly family members have lost someone they depended on,” the description read.
“His family is now trying to arrange urgent travel to Melbourne to deal with the devastating aftermath of his death.
“No family should have to experience this, especially when their loved one was simply trying to earn an honest living.”
The Melbourne Chinatown Business Association said funds raised would go towards helping bring his family to Australia, cover funeral arrangements, and supporting his family.
“He deserved to finish his shift and return home safely,” they said.
“We cannot bring Brother Feng back, but together, we can help ease the burden on the family he worked so hard to support.”
Floral tributes have been placed near the state library as locals and other delivery drivers come to terms with the horrific incident.
Some cards on the flowers expressed sympathy for Mr Feng’s family, while others included statements including “City of Criminal”, “Safe Street for Every Person” and “Asian Lives Matter”.
Hundreds gathered on the lawns outside the library on Saturday afternoon, with many angry about crime levels in Melbourne and others expressing concerns for the safety of delivery drivers.
Premier Ben Carroll said his heart went out to Feng and his family.
He said he was working hard to provide more support for gig economy workers.
“We do know that often people in the gig economy, particularly that are doing the transit deliveries, are some of the most vulnerable Victorians, and they do need proper protections in place and workplace safety,” Mr Carroll told reporters in North Melbourne on Sunday.
“I’m very pleased to see someone is in custody, and justice will be done.”
– with AAP
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