By Renee Wood
Tributes have started to flow in for Warburton man, Martin Sheahan, who was tragically murdered at his home on Australia Day.
Mr Sheahan’s family have described the 57 year old father as a gentle giant with a heart of gold and son Ben Sheahan said he was their rock and idol.
“I’ll never forget the countless amount of times you’ve picked me up off the floor while I was at my lowest, the way you could turn each and every situation into a funny one, and most importantly I’ll never forget the love you had for me, my Mum, my siblings, and your friends and family because that’s what I aspire to be everyday of my life,” they said.
Martin’s son, Alexander Calder, said the family is utterly heartbroken.
“Marty the gentle giant with a heart of gold, who I loved with all my heart and who was loved by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path, was cruelly and unexpectedly taken from us in the most heartbreaking of circumstances,” he said.
“Our family is hurting beyond words. But rest assured, I will make you proud one last time Dad and promise to stand up, be strong, and look after our family with everything I have in our greatest time of need. Especially Mum, your childhood sweetheart, your beloved Mandy.”
Ben’s friend Jacinta Haggar said she was shocked to find out it was Mr Sheahan who was involved in the incident when it was first reported on Thursday 27 January and said he was a ‘really lovely person’.
“Martin was a really great guy, he was very heavily involved in our community and he was definitely a face that everyone knew,” she said.
“He’s going to be missed a lot and he didn’t deserve what happened in those circumstances, because he just wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Homicide Squad detectives are investigating Mr Sheahan’s death, after he was found deceased at his Clarke Avenue property in Warburton.
Police responded to calls of shots fired around 8.30pm Australia day at the Warburton home, and not long after found another 57 year old man dead in Wesburn.
Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection to the deaths and it’s believed both men were known to each other through working at the Yarra Ranges Council.
Yarra Ranges Council CEO Tammi Rose said the Council is deeply saddened by the news.
“Marty had been with Council for six years and was a much-valued member of our Infrastructure Services department. We know that many people who worked with and knew Marty will be shocked hearing today’s news and deeply upset about his passing, and we will be offering every support we can,” Ms Rose said.
“We know the events of last evening will be deeply impacting on the family and friends of the men who passed away and we extend our deepest sympathies to family and friends, and the broader Warburton community.”
Ms Haggar, also a local resident, said the community is feeling the emotional toll of such a tragedy happening in their town.
“It was really shocking.. I just could not believe that something like that could ever happen in our community and the emotional impact is definitely a heavy one.
“You can feel it today and yesterday in Warburton itself and in the community, how heavy it feels that we’ve lost a great member of our community and we’ve lost an amazing man, who was a brother, a father, a son, a friend and a grandfather – and he’s now gone.”
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or who has further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
People needing support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat to a Crisis Supporter online at lifeline.org.au (7pm-midnight).
