Who was Josiah Kassahun? Skateboarder Terry Kennedy's victim, 23, dies of 'fractured skull'
WHEATON, ILLINOIS: A professional skateboarder is expected to face homicide charges after a man he beat up last week at Oakbrook Terrace motel has now died of injuries. Terry Kennedy at the time of the incident allegedly told the police officers arresting him: “I will kill one of you police. We kill police where I’m from."
Kennedy was booked on Tuesday, July 27, for allegedly assaulting 23-year-old Josiah Kassahun in an Illinois motel. Kassahun, who suffered a fractured skull and a concussion in the attack, has now died, The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on Sunday, August 1. The 36-year-old has already been charged with aggravated battery in a public place and threatening a public official. Kennedy's brush with the law is taking a serious turn while DJ David 'Shaman' Ortiz found out the hard that coronavirus lockdowns are meant to be taken seriously and not be spent in raucous partying. The Tokyo Olympics is also not free from drama as US team fencer Alex Hadzic realized his own teammates were protesting his inclusion in the team despite sexual assault allegations against him. Hayes Grier, 'DWTS' alum was recently arrested over a robbery that left his victim with brain damage
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Josiah passed away on Saturday, July 31, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Kennedy had initially appeared in court on Wednesday, July 28 and was charged with assault and his bail was set at $100,000. The 36-year-old skater is still behind bars. It is not clear what prompted the alleged attack, but it is believed Kassahun and Kennedy had been friends.
Kassahun's family created a GoFundMe page, to raise funds to help his family. The GoFundMe description reads: "On Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 Josiah Kassahun was brutally attacked by professional skateboarder Terry Kennedy. He recently passed away from those injuries. This GoFundMe was created to help with expenses related to hospitalization, funeral costs, and future memorials. Josiah was and will always be remembered as the perfect friend to everyone who had the good fortune of meeting him. He was loved and had much love to give and he will be dearly missed by an infinite number of people. In these trying times, we ask that you help by donating to ease the financial burden the family is experiencing as well as to create a memorial for him. All proceeds from this GoFundMe will go directly to the family." The page has raised $9,252 of the $20,000 goal.
A friend, Austin DePiano, paid tribute to Kassahun on Instagram saying: "I dont have all the right words for now, but you are and always will be my brother. No ones ever pushed me like you have and brought people together in such a positive way. You made sure no one was ever in a corner alone and were gonna do the same now. We're gonna keep pushing for you and do everything you wanted to see us do because that's all you wanted was for your friends to do good. I love you siah and your contagious smile" he wrote.
