The family of Tom Coombes, the man killed in an attack in Mt Albert earlier this week, say he was walking home from university where he was pursuing his dream to be a photographer when he was attacked.
Photo: SUPPLIED
Coombes, 25, was found dead in Roy Clements Treeways, in the Auckland suburb of Mount Albert on Tuesday.
Police arrested a man yesterday and have charged him with murder.
In a statement released this afternoon, Coombes' family said he was living a "happy and beautiful life".
Tom Coombes Photo: Supplied
"He was walking home from uni where he was studying photography - following his passion after becoming a qualified builder.
"He was a keen sportsman, with a genuine interest in and love for his family and many friends."
His family said his life was taken from him, and from all of those who love him, in a "cruel act of violence".
"If releasing this statement can help to track his movements on Tuesday evening, or in any other way, please pass any information to the police."