The family of a young surfer who was stabbed to death just moments after emerging from the water have paid tribute to the "gentle soul".
Kye Schaefer, 22, was found with significant injuries after being stabbed repeatedly beside his car on a beach in New South Wales, Australia on Wednesday. The keen surfer had only just finished a session in the water and was still wearing his wetsuit. He was rushed to hospital where he later died of his wounds.
The young man's death has shocked the community and Kye's uncle Ralph has spoken out about the incident, calling for more to be done to prevent knife crime after incidences have risen in Australia recently.
Clearly emotional, he described his nephew as a "lovely young" and the man said on 2GB radio that his "first emotion is just anger". He said: "I'm angry obviously at this attacker. But I'm angry about politicians (too)."
Kye was just 22 when he stabbed on the way back to his car after a morning surf (Instagram)The grieving uncle called on the local government of New South Wales to abide by a version of Jack's Law, which was introduced in Queensland after the death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in a fight with two other teens outside a convenience store, MailOnline reports.
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The law, known as 'wanding', allows police officers to use metal detectors to uncover knives being carried or hidden by people in public. He said: "How long do we have to wait here in New South Wales? This will save lives. Why are they asleep at the wheel? It's our sons and daughters."
He added: I hope all the listeners and people in New South Wales are angry. He was just coming back from the surf (and was) stabbed eight times. What on earth is going on? Give the police these powers and save lives. Do your job."
Ralph went on to describe the family's anguish at losing their son, brother and nephew, saying: "More than anything else, he just had a heart of gold, he really did. (He had) a gentle, caring nature, (it) was his greatest asset. We're just broken."
People are calling for tougher knife laws in New South Wales where the attack happened (Getty Images)Friends of the young surfer, who had been in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, have also spoken out about his tragic death. Pal Heather Isubikalu Ngobi said: "His loving sister and her partner were extremely close. Kye will be profoundly missed by his family, friends and members of the community"
Local businesswoman Sandy Ryman labelled the attack "violent and pointless". She said: "He was an extremely gentle soul, quiet spoken, polite and well mannered,' she said. All the family are wonderful people."
Police are still hunting for the assailant and have opened multiple lines of enquiry. They have so far speculated whether Kye had come across the attacker attempting to break into his car or whether a confrontation on a nearby beach on the same morning had any relation to his murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty told reporters: "We've identified some items of interest at a campsite around the jetty area. This area may or may not be related but at this point, we've declared a crime scene."
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