Aidan Becker, 22, was allegedly stabbed to death after stepping in to protect a schoolboy from a group of four teenagers.

The family of a good Samaritan who died protecting a teenage boy from an alleged armed robbery had moved to Australia from South Africa seeking a better life.

Off-duty security guard Aidan Becker, 22, died at Mernda Railway Station in Melbourne’s northeast on Friday night after intervening to protect a 14-year-old boy from a group of four teenagers.

Becker managed to walk the boy away from the altercation, but police allege the group then turned on Becker.

“Unfortunately, those four (alleged) offenders followed both of them and then, in what could only be described as an (allegedly) savage attack, assaulted the 22-year-old male physically, both fists, kicking, and they used edged weapons,” Homicide Squad Detective Acting Inspector Nigel L’Estrange said on Saturday.

A friend of Becker’s mother said the family had left South Africa’s Johannesburg hoping for a safer life in Australia.

Aidan Becker’s family had reportedly fled from South Africa seeking safer streets. Aidan Becker’s family had reportedly fled from South Africa seeking safer streets. Credit: GoFundMe

 

“This family left South Africa many years ago seeking something better — a life free from crime, fear and the constant anxiety of unsafe streets,” the friend said in a message to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.

“They came to Melbourne, a city full of crime, fear and unsafe streets.”

The friend said Becker’s mother was “shattered” after losing her “kind” and “brave” son.

Chris Katelaris, who read out the message, set up a GoFundMe page to help Becker’s family.

He described the young man as “brave, selfless and willing to stand up for others when it mattered most”.

“In a moment where many might have walked away, Aidan chose courage. He chose to protect someone else,” Katelaris wrote.

“That decision cost him his life.

“No family should ever have to endure a loss like this, and no act of bravery like Aidan’s should ever be forgotten.”

Becker died at Mernda Railway Station in Melbourne’s northeast on Friday evening.Becker died at Mernda Railway Station in Melbourne’s northeast on Friday evening. Credit: 7NEWS

 

Yarrambat Junior Football Club also paid tribute online to its former player.

“Aidan was the kind of teammate every club hopes for — selfless, team first and always willing to put others before himself,” the club said.

“Aidan brought people together and represented everything that our club stands for — effort, attitude, respect.

“Aidan will always be remembered as a very special young man.”

Becker was allegedly stabbed to death by a group of four teenagers. Becker was allegedly stabbed to death by a group of four teenagers. Credit: Supplied

 

The Alfred Hospital, where Becker worked as a security guard, described him as a “quiet hero” in a statement.

“Aidan’s colleagues at The Alfred describe him as a dedicated, respected, and much-loved member of our security team,” the statement said.

“He will be remembered for being full of life, and for his positive energy, kindness and dedication. He was a quiet hero who gave his all for those around him.

“Aidan’s loss is being felt by all his teammates, and we are providing support to help them through this challenging time.”

The family of the 14-year-old boy has also paid tribute, saying Aiden “showed extraordinary courage and compassion in risking his life to save our son”.

The family of the 14-year-old boy has also paid tribute to Becker.The family of the 14-year-old boy has also paid tribute to Becker. Credit: 7NEWS

 

Jacinta Allan said the Violence Reduction Unit would be deployed to the Mernda area.

It will provide a co-ordinated response with Victoria Police and the Education Department to provide community support and reassurance, so that young people feel safe coming and going from school.

“My thoughts are with the family … Our hearts break for them,” Allan said.

“We created the Violence Reduction Unit for this reason, to work with the community in the aftermath of violence and prevent further trauma.”

Floral tributes have been left at the scene where Becker died.

Four male teens were arrested at the scene, three of whom have been charged with murder and armed robbery.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene where Becker died.Floral tributes have been left at the scene where Becker died. Credit: 7NEWS

 

The eldest, Mike Pikos, 18, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Sunday morning but was not required to speak during the short hearing.

Magistrate Steven Raleigh was told it was the teenager’s first time in custody and he would be a vulnerable prisoner due to his age and appearance.

No other information was given during the brief session and there was no application for bail.

A 16-year-old from Whittlesea, a 17-year-old from Geelong, and a 17-year-old from the City of Yarra were also charged with murder and armed robbery.

Pikos was remanded in custody and will return to court on June 24.

Good Samaritan allegedly killed protecting teen at train station identified