26-Year-Old in Coma with 'Irreversible' Injuries After Alleged Altercation with Security Guard at Nashville Bar

Austin Turner, 26, was allegedly struck during a Feb. 18 altercation at Tin Roof bar in Tenn., police say. His family has reportedly decided to take him off life support

<p>Gofundme</p> Austin Turner

Gofundme

Austin Turner
  • Austin Turner was struck by a security guard in Nashville, Tenn., and became unconscious and fell to the ground, police allege

  • After suffering severe brain injuries and spending weeks in a coma, his family has reportedly decided to take Austin off of life support

  • The security guard police allege is involved, Richard Cornelius, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault

A 26-year-old man has been in a coma since Feb. 18 after police say he was assaulted by a security guard at a popular Nashville, Tenn., bar.

Austin Turner, who was 25 at the time of the alleged assault, was denied re-entry to Tin Roof bar on Demonbreun Street in the early morning hours of Feb. 18, before a fight broke out between him and a security guard, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

The details surrounding the altercation are limited, but according to the police statement, Richard Cornelius — who was a licensed security guard at the bar — struck Austin, "causing him to fall to the ground unconscious."

Security footage allegedly shows Cornelius, 36, swinging numerous times before hitting Austin, WSMV reports, citing police. Cornelius was charged with aggravated assault, but has since been released on a $25,000 bond.

<p>Metropolitan Nashville Police Department</p> Richard Cornelius

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

Richard Cornelius

According to a GoFundMe created for Austin's family, he suffered a skull fracture and a subdural hematoma — a brain bleed that can occur after a head injury — and received an emergency craniotomy. He then suffered a stroke and remains in a coma and critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

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"Austin is a good man with a heart of gold and an incredible sense of humor," the GoFundMe organizer wrote. "He is an incredibly caring and kind big brother to four younger sisters who adore him."

The organizer later added: "We pray that funeral costs will not be a part of this journey but must remain prepared for anything."

Austin turned 26 last weekend while in a coma, WSMV reports. His family is still trying to piece together what happened on the night of the altercation and are seeking out video footage from people who may have witnessed the fight.

“I know in my heart of hearts that my son was not doing anything that provoked this kind of attack,” Austin's stepmom, Meagan Turner, told the outlet.

<p>Alamy</p> Tin Roof bar

Alamy

Tin Roof bar

While speaking to WKRN, Meagan said that doctors have told the family that Austin likely will not survive his injuries. On Tuesday, Austin's family decided to take him off life support.

“He is still in a coma and they are saying he is not going to make it out of this, that his injuries are devastating and irreversible and irrecoverable,” Meagan told WKRN.

PEOPLE has reached out to the attorney representing Cornelius, but did not immediately hear back.

Tin Roof CEO Bob Franklin tells PEOPLE in a statement: "We can’t comment on an ongoing investigation, but we are fully cooperating to aid law enforcement in their efforts and will continue to do so. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Austin Turner."

In an additional statement to PEOPLE, Franklin says, "Aligning with the investigation, he is no longer with our team."

When asked if Cornelius is still employed by Tin Roof, Franklin said, "Aligning with the investigation, he is no longer with our team."

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Read the original article on People.