Member of Yothu Yindi dead

[Chantel]

Yothu Yindi band member Nicky Yunupingu, the nephew of powerful indigenous leader Galarrwuy Yunupingu, has died from an apparent suicide following a stabbing incident.

Northern Territory police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Nicky Yunupingu's death, just hours after the 26-year-old danced with his uncle for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Northern Territory police say he was "the offender" in the stabbing of a 23-year-old female friend.

Galarrwuy Yunupingu, a former Australian of the Year, confirmed his nephew's death on Tuesday night.

Fairfax newspapers on Wednesday report Nicky Yunupingu, who played didgeridoo in Yothu Yindi, Australia's best known indigenous band, danced shoulder to shoulder with his uncle Galarrwuy, for Mr Rudd and his ministers, who were visiting the Top End for a cabinet meeting on July 23.

"I am told by my wife that after the performance for the prime minister he had argued with his wife at Yirrkala and that my wife had picked him up walking alone on the road from Yirrkala to Nhulunbuy," Galarrwuy Yunipingu told Fairfax.

Galarrwuy said he had placed money over the bar at the Gove Yacht Club for a community celebration.

Several people had been ejected from the club but it is not clear if Nicky Yunupingu was among them - he had been the subject of a life ban from the club.

Drinking later moved from the club to nearby Ski Beach where Fairfax reported he became involved in a fight with a 23-year-old female friend.

The woman, now in a stable condition in Gove District Hospital, suffered 14 stab wounds, police say.

Nicky was found dead on the night of July 23.

Fairfax said he believed the woman had died and took his own life. His wife found his body.

"Police are investigating a serious assault which occurred on July 23 in which a 23-year-old woman received multiple stab wounds and a 26-year-old man, believed to be the offender, was later found deceased," a spokeswoman said.

Galarrwuy said he did not authorise drinking at Ski Beach and did not buy any takeaway alcohol.

A coronial inquest would clarify what happened, he said.

He had also asked regional health services to develop a plan to deal with self-harm among young indigenous people.

A ceremonial funeral is planned for the young dancer and musician, who travelled the territory using stories and songs to encourage vulnerable indigenous children to stay in school and stay healthy.

[Hitman]

Holy shit...

[BJN]

It saddens me, the tremendous amount of tragedy amongst the Aboriginal People of Australia. I wish they lived longer, healthier and happier lives.

Rest in Peace, musician/dancer man.