A man who was felled by a single punch from a stranger after being told his tattoos would send him “to hell” has died after 26 days in hospital.
Victim Joshua Davies, 39, suffered a traumatic brain injury when he hit his head on the pavement during the attack in Hartland, in the US state of Wisconsin, on 17th June.
Joshua had been on a date night with his wife Jennifer Davies at Tabi’s Lake Country Wine Bar when burly Kevin Sehmer, 64, took exception to his tattooed arms.
Schemer told him he was “going to hell, and God would not save him.”
Then he allegedly threw a stool and punched Joshua so hard he fell to the ground hitting his head, according to local media.
Sehmer was originally charged with aggravated battery but prosecutors could now upgrade these charges after Joshua’s death on 12th July.
The victim’s sister Jamie Davies said: “This was a tragic, horrific, senseless, heinous act that has now taken my brother’s life.”
She added: “The suffering and pain my brother endured for the last 26 days was not his fault.
“This guy didn’t even know my brother.
“He has sleeves and designs that he designed himself, has had friends tattoo him … absolutely nothing that would be offensive to anyone.”
Josh was described as a caring family man by friends.
Newsflash obtained a statement from the Hartland Police Department on Thursday, 13th July, saying: “On Saturday, June 17, 2023, at approximately 11:00 PM, a Hartland police officer was flagged down by a group of individuals on the sidewalk in the 100 block of E. Capitol Drive regarding a battery complaint.
“The officer observed a 39-year-old male lying on the sidewalk going in and out of consciousness.
“The victim was transported to Aurora Summit hospital where he was admitted with critical injuries.
“The suspect was identified as 64-year-old Kevin A. Sehmer, who was subsequently arrested on Sunday, June 18 and transported to the Waukesha County Jail.
“The Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony count of aggravated battery on June 19.
“On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Hartland Police Department was notified by the Waukesha County Medical Examiner’s Office that the 39-year-old male victim succumbed to his injuries at 2:19 AM.
“The Hartland Police Department continues to investigate this matter in conjunction with the Waukesha County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office.”
The police also said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.”
A GoFundMe page set up eight days ago to help cover Josh’s medical bills had raised nearly USD 13,000 (GBP 9,908) out of a USD 20,000 (GBP 15,242) goal.
The summary of the GoFundMe campaign reads: “Hello everyone, My name is Mike Harrington, a friend of Josh Davies, and I am setting up this GoFundMe as a way to assist Josh’s wife Jennifer through the early timeframe of Josh’s recovery from a brain injury.
“If you can help in any way, please either donate through this GoFundMe or reach out to me directly.
“The goal is to make their life a little less hectic and chaotic and not having to stress about the medical expenses that will continue to pile up through his recovery.”
It is unclear if the money will now be used for his funeral instead.
The police investigation is ongoing.
