Friends and family members are remembering a man who died after he was beaten at a Keystone Heights saloon as a father and well-liked man in the Melrose community.
“He was well liked man, real good family man,” said friend Robin Chiappini.
Deputies said they were called out to the Keystone Saloon Sunday where they found Michael Eaton unconscious in a side parking lot.
They were told there was a fight involving as many as a dozen people.
Eaton was put on life support, but deputies said he was taken off of it Tuesday night.
Chiappini said Eaton came into his store almost every day and is sadden by the news.
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“It was a shock, a major shock to the whole community,” said Chiappini.
He said they’ve started raising money for the family inside his store and will also hold a corn hole tournament in memory of him in the coming weeks.
“He was always smiling always having a good time, loved to play corn hole,” said Chiappini.
Deputies said they’re still working to identify all the people involved and interview them individually.
There are currently no arrests or warrants out for this case.
Deputies said once the investigation is completed, details will be reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office and then a decision will be made to determine if charges will be filled against anyone.
Cox Media Group
