Daniel Hollis, a sophomore at Emerson College was hospitalized Saturday, September 28 with life-threatening injuries caused by a fight occurring at 1:30 am.
Police confirmed they responded to an assault and battery call outside a building at Park Vale Avenue in Allston. An eye witness, Aurora Antz, said, “I saw three guys walk away, yelling at them and I saw a guy on the ground and he seemed really hurt.”
According to the Caring Bridge site the Hollis family updates, Hollis and a group of friends were stopped by another group of college aged men who started pushing and shoving.
An altercation broke out and Hollis was reportedly hit and fell onto cement or bricks. When he entered the hospital, he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his head, and was immediately brought into surgery.
Over the next few days, Hollis was put in a medically induced coma, with hopes and prayers from his friends and family waiting for a miracle.
On September 30, the family received x-rays of Hollis’ brain showing irreparable brain damage. The damages affect his everyday functions, including breathing and his heartbeat. This concludes there was no chance of Hollis regaining consciousness and sustaining life, even with the help of life support systems.
All the doctors were able to do were make sure Hollis was comfortable and stable during his last few moments of life, and allow his family to say their goodbyes.
It was announced on October 2 at 5:32pm, Hollis had passed away. Hollis had decided to be an organ donor, making the possibility of spreading the gift of life to people in need greater.
The family asks everyone to stay positive and remember all the great things about Hollis. There is no update on any arrest for the men involved in the altercation.
Before enrolling into Emerson, Hollis attended Hopedale High school. He played ice hockey and lacrosse, and continued lacrosse as a goalie, wearing number 27 in college. Hollis majored in marketing communications.
According to multiple people, Hollis was loving and found ways to brighten people’s days. He enjoyed music and had a love for his sports. The family hopes to keep spreading love, positivity, and somehow get through life without him.
A situation like this could happen to anyone from any university regardless of gender or race. It is extremely important to stay safe while going out with friends. Avoid walking alone, never remain in an uncomfortable situation, and utilize ride share options, like Uber or Lyft to remove yourself from said situations.