Bouncer, 61, who works at New York bar, dies after being hit by man on Christmas Eve: Cops are looking for suspects after he beat worker unconscious and left him in a coma
- Duane Patterson, 61, was at work on Christmas Eve when he was approached by the suspect – who hit the bouncer and threw him to the ground
- Patterson was in a coma after the vicious attack, which took place during an early morning fight outside Billymark’s West Bar near West 29th Street
- Police are still searching for the suspect who they believe fled the scene on foot
A bouncer has died after being thrown into a coma by an angry man outside a bar in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood.
Duane Patterson, 61, was at work on Christmas Eve when he was approached by the suspect – who hit the bouncer and threw him to the ground.
Patterson has been in a coma since he hit his head on the ground outside Billymark’s West Bar near West 29th Street at 3 a.m. during the fight.
However, on Monday authorities confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries and died in hospital after the brawl.
Duane Patterson, 61, was at work on Christmas Eve when he was approached by the suspect – who hit the bouncer and threw him to the ground.
Billymark’s West Bar near W. 29th Street is where the vicious attack took place on Christmas Eve
Patterson, from Fort George, was taken to Bellevue Hospital after being sidelined by a bartender on December 24.
He had a critical fractured skull and spent several days in a coma.
Police believed Patterson’s death to be a homicide.
His daughter, Arianna Buchholz, revealed on GoFundMe: “Duane suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for four days.
“Unfortunately, the critical care he received was not enough to revive his spirit.
“The family needs emotional and financial support during this devastating time.”
Police are still searching for the suspect who they believe fled the scene on foot.
The suspect (pictured) is described as male, dark complexion, around 40 to 50 years old, heavily built, balding and was last seen wearing a red Champion hoodie, black jacket, black pants and black sneakers
Patterson’s troubled wife, Melissa, told the Daily News that her husband was an Air Force veteran.
The couple had been married for 26 years and had one daughter together. She described her partner as “funny and polite.”
His daughter wrote that her father was a registered organ donor and said the family is now “taking every step possible to ensure that what he has to give is available to others.”
“He may not be able to continue on this earth, but his contribution will ensure that others can,” wrote Bucholz.
She described her father as ‘strong and honorable’ who, she said, ‘always made us laugh!’ We will love you always and forever.’
On Friday, police released surveillance footage of the suspect and are asking the public for information to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are treated confidentially.