The family of a Canberra man who died after being Tasered by police in his Waramanga home have remembered him as a man with "a big heart".
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Anthony Caristo, who was in his mid-50s, died during a critical incident on Tuesday, when police found him covered in blood and holding a large knife. Police said his finger was severed and arms cut, and, as he struck his leg with the knife, officers Tasered him once to prevent him harming himself further.
After being subdued and handcuffed, Mr Caristo was found to be unresponsive and could not be revived.
On Wednesday, his daughter Carley told The Canberra Times she was still numb with disbelief.
"Despite having our ups and downs in our relationship, he was my dad," she said.
"He was a smart man with a big heart and I'll never forget the crazy things we used to do on our weekends together when I was younger."
In a statement, the family of Mr Caristo said they were devastated.
"We extend our sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragedy," the family said.
"We are cooperating fully with the police and anxiously await the outcome of a thorough investigation into all of the circumstances that led to his tragic death."
"We thank the media for respecting our privacy and allowing us to grieve in private."
A long-time friend said Mr Caristo had a "heart of gold".
"Tony would do anything for anyone," she said.
"It's horrible, just horrible."
On Tuesday, shocked neighbours described Mr Caristo as a "normal bloke".
He was a friendly man who kept to himself but would come over to lend a hand if he saw them working out front, they said.
Ben Mitchell lived across the road from the man and said police had attended the same house several years ago. The road had been blocked off in that incident as well, he said.
"He always lived by himself with his pet dog," Mr Mitchell said.
On Wednesday, Chief Police Officer Justine Saunders said Mr Caristo was known to police but the nature of that would be subject to coronial inquiry.
She said Mr Caristo's cause of death was yet to be determined, but "obviously, mental health might be a factor in this".
"These are tragic events, our officers went there to help someone...and now someone is deceased," she said.
Assistant Commissioner Saunders said from what she knew, the officers had acted "entirely appropriately" and they were "severely traumatised" by the event.
With Emily Baker and Doug Dingwall
If this article has raised any issues for you, please contact Lifeline on 131 114; Mensline on 1300 789 978; or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
