The family of a man who died after an assault in Christchurch Prison say he was taken too soon.

Police have confirmed they've launched a homicide investigation into the death of Benton Parata who was hospitalised after an assault on Wednesday.

In a statement the 44-year-old's family say he had a huge heart and would give you the shirt of his back if you needed it.

They say its hard to accept Parata was cowardly taken from them, and his death will leave a hole in the family network.

A post mortem examination will be carried out this morning, but police say the results won't be known for some time.