A friend of a young man punched to death in the middle of a busy city says his mate was kicked on the ground after being knocked unconscious.
But Evander Tuala's killer remains unidentified as an inquest began on Monday into the 23-year-old's death following a chaotic brawl in the heart of Sydney's night district in 2022.
Mr Tuala died from brain injuries after being knocked unconscious, falling and hitting his head on the footpath of Oxford Street in Darlinghurst.
Despite five people being convicted over the affray that surrounded the death, no one has been charged with the killing and family members are still seeking answers.
Two groups of men became engaged in a fight at the Oxford Hotel on April 9, 2022, before they left the venue about 12.30am.
The groups interacted a second time in nearby Taylor Square minutes later, with footage capturing Mr Tuala collapsing after being struck.
Michael Mallouhi, who attended the bar with Mr Tuala, recalled being told about the incident inside the venue before his group of friends left.
They were followed out by the other group, who were "blowing the thing up" and "trying to start a fight".
Mr Mallouhi saw a "big group of people throwing punches" before spotting Mr Tuala on the ground, he told his mate's inquest.
He recalled seeing Mr Tuala being kicked while unconscious but could not recall who did it.
It is unclear who initially struck the 23-year-old to render him unconscious and that will be a central focus of the five-day inquest, the coroner was told on Monday.
A CT scan soon after Mr Tuala arrived at St Vincent's Hospital showed a number of fractures and a brain haemorrhage.
He had surgery that day but was later declared brain dead, with his life support turned off on April 11.
Counsel assisting Chris McGorey noted the hearing was a "fact-finding exercise" rather than one that would end with criminal liability being asserted.
But he did note the inquest can make a referral to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Sally Dowling SC.
"He is a dearly loved young man who was in the prime of his life with a significant amount of promise," he said.
"His loss is a matter of significant concern for the community."
About a dozen members of Mr Tuala's family were in court on Monday, with some sobbing through a re-telling of his death.
One of the men who has been charged with the affray - Keidan Donovan-Phillips - was legally represented at the inquiry and sat in the courtroom through the morning.
Police believe Mr Donovan-Phillips was standing close to Mr Tuala when he was struck, the court was told, but NSW Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes will need to rule on any involvement in the death.
Two men who have been convicted over the affray have been subpoenaed to give evidence later in the inquiry.
