Senior Gumatj man and ceremonial leader, Mr B Yunupiŋu, who passed away on Thursday night, died weeks after an alleged violent attack in his own home, it has emerged.
Mr B Yunupiŋu was allegedly beaten in an attack in the community of Gunyaŋara on April 19, after which he fell into a coma from which he would never wake, the ABC reported on Friday.
On Friday, NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services reported that "a 70-year-old male has died following a domestic violence incident that occurred in Nhulunbuy last month".
"A 42-year-old male remains in custody and will appear in the Darwin Local Court on 18 June 2025," the statement read.
"The investigation into this incident remains ongoing."
Mr Yunupiŋu died at Royal Darwin Hospital on the night of May 8, surrounded by dozens of Yolŋu family members and clan leaders who travelled from north-east Arnhem Land to farewell the beloved Elder, the ABC reports.
In a statement, family thanked hospital staff and "nurses of ICU who cared for him so carefully and enabled the final ceremonial rites to be performed".
