RHYS Marshall died after six days of "extraordinary determination and courageous effort", his family said.In a moving and detailed statement released yesterday, the family said Mr Marshall "took a turn for the worse" on Friday afternoon and died soon afterwards.After receiving severe head injuries during an alleged assault about 1.30am last Sunday in Ballarat, Mr Marshall was placed on life support at Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital.He was transferred by helicopter to the trauma unit at The Alfred in Melbourne.He was later transferred to intensive care in a critical condition."We, his family, have been overwhelmed by the unstinting generosity and the extraordinary love and support of his many friends, teammates and the broader community over the past week," the statement said.Mr Marshall, 22, was described as a "keen and talented" sportsman who played cricket and football with Buninyong clubs, and was an "avid" Carlton supporter.He was a third-year student at the University of Ballarat, studying for an education degree, majoring in physical education, maths and outdoor education.The family thanked hospital staff "for their professional, tender and compassionate care for our son and brother during this time and their deep understanding of the nightmare in which we found ourselves.""Consistent with his generosity in life, we have agreed that Rhys be an organ donor," the statement said.