Melbourne shooting victim remembered as ‘beautiful soul’ as police probe car park confrontation

Police are investigating whether a 22-year-old plumber, who was engaged to be married later this year, was involved in a confrontation before being shot dead outside a soccer club in Melbourne.

Emergency services were called to just outside the Lalor United Sloga FC building in Thomastown shortly after 7.30pm on Sunday.

A man was found with a gunshot wound and died at the scene.

The man’s grieving father spoke to 9News on Monday morning to name the victim as 22-year-old Daniel Hussein, a plumber who was set to be married.

Friends paid tribute to Hussein, calling him a “beautiful soul” who was deeply loved.

“Danny was one of those rare people who could light up a room just by walking into it. He had the most infectious smile. The kind that made you smile back without even realising it,” a friend said in a statement.

“He had such a warmth about him, a genuine heart and a way of making people feel welcome and valued.

“Danny had so much love around him and so much life ahead of him. He was meant to be a groom, to marry the woman he loved and begin the next chapter of his life surrounded by the people who adored him.”

Police said they were still working to determine exactly what led to the shooting, but believed there may have been a confrontation in a car park.

Hussein had called his brother shortly before he was shot and said he was being followed by a black Porsche.

The Age reports he  was rushing to help a friend when he was killed.

The gunman remains on the run and police have made no arrests so far; police have not ruled out the possibility there could be more than one offender involved in the shooting.

Another man, who did not wish to be identified, told 9News of the grieving crowd that had gathered.

“We were driving past after 7.30pm, and yeah, we just saw police flying down Victoria Drive,” he said.

“Family were just arriving and friends as well. And, and just people sitting on the floor crying and yelling out, ‘Daniel’s gone’.”

Police have called for any witnesses, or anybody with relevant footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.