Tributes flow for Gold Coast strip club bouncer, Richie Ahsam after sudden death
Tribute have flown for a beloved Gold Coast strip club security boss, with a GoFundMe campaign organised on behalf of his family raising more than $25,000.
Richie Ahsam, who was locally acclaimed for his work at the infamous Surfer’s Paradise strip club, Hollywood Showgirls, died on Monday afternoon after telling friends he felt “sick as” and admitting himself to hospital, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports. While he was discharged, he died shortly after.
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In texts between Mr Ahsam and ‘Nuz’ Ngatai (who sings with the Koi Boys), the security boss wrote: “On my way to hospital bro. Sick as,” when asked for his whereabouts.
In response, Mr Ngatai wrote: “Aw noo. No good bro. Get well gee”.
The owner of Hollywood Showgirls, Craig Duffy described him as a “really funny character, a loveable rogue”. Mr Ahsam had worked at the venue shortly after its opening in 2003.
Sharing multiple posts on Facebook, Mr Duffy wrote of his friend and colleague’s love of karaoke, shared snippets from their trips of Las Vegas and posted his favourite photo – a picture of him and Mr Duffy together with former professional boxer, Mike Tyson.
“A really funny character, a loveable rogue,” he told the Bulletin.
Mr Duffy announced that as a tribute to the Mr Ahsam, his drink card will be put on display at his table, along with a special poster and plaque.
“It will be showcased on the night to celebrate & remember our Mate,” wrote Mr Duffy.
The family of another local, family-owned hospitality, the now-closed Broadbeach bar Howl at The Moon, also shared his memory of the larger-than-life character.
“Every couple of weeks Rich would come in for a drink before work, or come back to our house after he finished in Surfers,” shared Anthony Cerantonio in a Facebook Group dedicated to Mr Ahsam’s passing.
“I never saw him in a bad mood he was ALWAYS ON – always funny, always joking, always the biggest personality in the room.”
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A post from his daughter, Lani’s rugby club, the Renegades 32 Rugby 7s, described him as a “passionate dad and a huge supporter of all his adopted rugby daughters”.
“From his boisterous ‘critique’ of the referees from the sideline to BBQ fundraisers for the girls, Richie was there every single time and we are truly going to miss him,” they wrote.
The married father of two is survived by his wife, Danielle, and children Isaiah and Leilani.
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