Duane Patterson: Bouncer, 61, dies after man punches him in face at NYC bar on Christmas Eve
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Authorities allege that a bouncer named Duane Patterson died on Christmas Eve after being beaten into a coma by an angry man outside a NYC bar in Chelsea.
Patterson, 61, and another man began arguing at 3 am on December 24 as Patterson worked at Billymark's West Bar on Ninth Avenue near West 29th Street, police said. The suspect punched Patterson in the face outside, where the brawl had spilled over, causing him to go down and hit his head. When he was unresponsive, a bartender dialed 911. Patterson, who lives in Fort George, was taken by ambulance to Bellevue Hospital, where his condition was initially listed as critical because he had suffered a fractured skull. He was in a coma for several days until police announced Monday, December 26, that he had died from his injuries.
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In a GoFundMe campaign, Patterson's daughter Arianna Buchholz stated, "Duane suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for four days. The intensive care he received was unfortunately not enough to revive his mind. The family is in need of emotional and financial support during this devastating time."
Buchholz praised her father, who is a registered organ donor, as "such a strong, honorable person" who "was always quick to make us laugh." She wrote, "We will love you dearly always and forever." The fundraiser has so far generated $17,463 of the $20,000 goal, and it has gotten many kind words from both people who knew Patterson and others who did not.
One invidual wrote, "Your father was one of my favorite familiar faces at Billymarks and I just saw him last month. He was one of the main people that made it like a second home. I am devastated for you and your family, and I will miss him very much." Another couple wrote, "I didn't know Duane either, but from what I read, he was a great man. My condolences to the family."
The suspect fled on foot, and police are still trying to find him. He is characterized as a muscular, bald male with a dark complexion who is between the ages of 40 and 50. He was last seen sporting a black jacket, black pants, black sneakers, and a red Champion hoodie sweater. Police aren't aware of the events that led to the fatal confrontation.