A tragic incident unfolded during a trip to see the Wu-Tang Clan in Melbourne, where 20-year-old Alex Robinson lost his life following a drug-induced night with friends. The event turned fatal when Quinn McPherson, a long-time friend and mixed martial arts practitioner, playfully put Robinson in a chokehold. This playful altercation occurred at approximately 9 am on May 13, 2023, while McPherson was on FaceTime with other friends in Adelaide, showcasing their antics.
According to court proceedings, McPherson placed Robinson in a chokehold for several minutes, only releasing him when he noticed Robinson’s lips turning blue. Despite acknowledging that they were joking around and had no intention to harm each other, the situation escalated quickly. Two other friends who entered the room found Robinson unresponsive and urged McPherson to call for an ambulance. Attempts at CPR were made, but paramedics arrived only to declare Robinson dead at 10:23 am. An autopsy could not determine a clear cause of death.
Initially charged with manslaughter, McPherson later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of conduct endangering life. He is currently out on bail, allowing him to return home to Adelaide as the case progresses. His defence team noted that the plea indicated he would not be held accountable for Robinson’s death, with the potential sentence for his offence being up to 10 years in prison. However, he may face a community corrections order instead.
In court, Robinson’s family expressed their heartache. His sister Grace, tearfully confronting McPherson, reflected on the tragedy of losing her brother: “It’s definitely not fair on Alex to have his life stolen from him.” Robinson’s mother Natalie also conveyed her anguish over the uncertainty of her son’s final moments. Friends who were present shared how the incident replayed in their minds, highlighting the devastating impact of witnessing such a tragic event.
Justice James Elliott described the case as unusual, calling for a moment of silence to honour Robinson’s memory. Both the defence and prosecution suggested a community corrections order, considering McPherson’s age at the time of the incident, his guilty plea, and the remorse he has shown. Sentencing is set for March 27, 2024, with hope lingering for a resolution that acknowledges the pain experienced by Robinson’s loved ones while considering McPherson’s actions.