Local

Family says man still in coma after being beaten, dragged by van in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A man is still in a vegetative state after being beaten, then dragged by a minivan at the end of September.

Action News Jax spoke exclusively with the victim’s sister-in-law, who said he hasn’t woken up yet in UF Health Jacksonville’s intensive care unit.

While multiple sources have told us the victim was transgender, a family member said he is gay and because they are still concerned about his safety, they did not want us to use his name.

Content Continues Below

TRENDING: 

It’s been nearly a month since the victim, who close friends describe as a part of the LGBTQ community, was tied to a minivan and dragged for several blocks on Jacksonville’s Westside.

“His condition is like a vegetable and from what they told us, it was like a coma vegetable almost. They told us it was like his brain is gone. We’re just hoping that he will come out of it on his own,” said the victim’s sister-in-law.

Loved ones describe him as a kind guy who stayed to himself.

“He’s a really good guy all the way around. He doesn’t do anything to get into any trouble, so you can’t see someone doing something like this to him because he isn’t that type of person,” the victim’s sister-in-law said.

Eric Bridges was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said it was all caught on its Real Time Crime Center camera.

Family and friends are now left holding on to hope and keeping the ones they love closer to them.

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

Download WJAX Apps

“We’re just praying and asking everyone to keep us lifted in your prayers,” the victim’s sister-in-law explained.

JSO has not told us a motive for the crime.

Family members of the victim say they’re hoping he pulls through so they can find him a permanent place to stay.

A GoFundMe has been set up on the victim's behalf. Click here for more information.