Boston

Emerson Student Hurt in ‘Scuffle' Won't Regain Consciousness: Family

Daniel Hollis' family said that "positive energy is making it to him and surrounding him with love while he is still with us."

An Emerson College student is not expected to regain consciousness after he hit his head during a "scuffle" in Boston this weekend, according to his family. 

Daniel Hollis underwent emergency surgery after arriving at a hospital unresponsive following the incident, Hollis' family said in a blog post Tuesday. He remained in critical condition Tuesday but has damage to his brain and isn't expected to wake up.

"We ask that you focus on the positive: his infectious smile, his goofy sense of humor, his love for music, hockey, lacrosse and most importantly his love for his friends and family," Hollis' family said. "The positive energy is making it to him and surrounding him with love while he is still with us."

Boston police received a call of an assault and battery at about 1:20 a.m. Sunday on Park Vale Avenue in Brighton near Packard's Corner, according to police. The incident involved a "male victim."

Police did not provide further information about the incident.

According to the family, Hollis was leaving a party with friends when the group was "confronted" by another group of "college-aged boys." The family believes a scuffle ensued during which Hollis was hit, causing him to hit is head on cement or bricks.   

Emerson College was unable to offer comment beyond what the Hollis family had already said, out of respect to the family, the school said in a statement.

"The Emerson College community's thoughts and support are with Dan’s friends and loved ones during this difficult time," the statement read.

Counseling was available at Hopedale Junior Senior High School, where Hollis was a student before attending Emerson.

"He was an ice cream sundae as a human," Hollis' high school lacrosse coach said.

The reality was still sinking in for coach Eric Moxim Tuesday. He said the world was worse off given the news.

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