The family of Countdown security guard Goran Milosavljevic were grieving the loss of his parents when he was killed.
The Serbian national was allegedly hit in the head last week after he approached a teenager in the store where he worked and died in hospital from his injuries the next day.
A 17-year-old was arrested and charged with manslaughter, appearing at the Papakura District Court on Thursday.
Milosavljevic worked for Allied Security.
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Serbian website Blic is reporting his parents died in a car crash last year.
They were returning from having dropped Mr Milosavljevic’s son at the airport. He was on his way back to New Zealand.
His youngest son was also in the car but survived and had since relocated to New Zealand.
Blic reports Mr Milosavljevic was a ‘wonderful father’ who wanted to provide a better life for his children in New Zealand.
His sons are being cared for by the Serbian community in New Zealand.
Countdown Managing Director Dave Chambers said "We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of one of our team.
"The safety of our people and customers is our absolute priority, and no New Zealander should go to work and not expect to return home to their loved ones."
"Our focus right now is to support the family and our team in whatever way we can. We’ve also made as much information and footage as we have available to the police and will continue to cooperate with their investigation."
Police were made aware of the incident on Wednesday, Counties Manukau South Area Commander Inspector Dave Glossop says.
Police expressed their deepest sympathies to the guard's family.
Newshub
