Brother of man found dying in Riverwood laneway performs haka tribute at scene of crime

A man who died in hospital this morning, hours after he was found with critical injuries in a Riverwood laneway, has been honoured by his brother and friends with an emotional haka tribute.

An anonymous phone call made from a phone box led authorities to find 19-year-old Rudolph "Roddy" Ripley lying in the road with severe head injuries about 12.50am.

He was not shot and does not appear to have been stabbed, but had sustained serious head injuries.

Paramedics treated Mr Ripley at the scene, however he died a short time later in St George Hospital.

This afternoon, his brother Steven led his friends in a haka performance near the scene on Price Lane.

The men sang and danced the traditional war dance as a farewell to Mr Ripley.

Other friends watched on and wept, and many of the mourners appealed for information about how he died.

Mr Ripley’s brother Steven described him as a cheerful young man.

"He was a good young man, happy chappy, you know, always smiling, always just – for the good times, he didn't deserve this," he said.

Police believe whoever made the anonymous call may have important information about how Mr Ripley died.

9NEWS understands the New Zealander is a father to a three-year-old boy.

Investigators said he was not previously known to police.

The caller and anyone else with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.