Authorities are investigating the death of a 19-year-old man who died from a head injury his family believes was the result of an attack in Koreatown days earlier.
The victim’s father, Chris Han, said his son, Joonhee Han, was walking to work in Koreatown when he was attacked by a man riding an electric scooter near 7th Street and South Harvard Boulevard on July 18 at 4:30 p.m., according to Korea Times. Chris said the man pushed Joonhee to the ground and punched him repeatedly while he was down.
Chris recalled Joonhee telling him after the incident that his neck felt stiff but didn’t hurt too much, according to KTLA5.
Days later, on July 23, Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call around 2 a.m. near 8th Street and Mariposa Avenue where the caller said Han had no pulse and was not breathing, LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and was declared brain dead two days later.
“West Bureau Homicide Detectives are actively seeking additional evidence, witness statements and other information pertaining to the incident that may help us determine what happened,” the LAPD said in a news release. statement.
The autopsy report has not yet been completed, a Los Angles County Medical Examiner’s Office spokesperson said.
A GoFundMe for Joonhee’s family has raised over $30,000. His funeral was Sunday in Whittier.
“In addition to the emotional toll, the family is overwhelmed by mounting medical bills, funeral expenses and other unforeseen expenses,” said Edric Oh, who organized the fundraiser. “We are reaching out to our community, friends and compassionate strangers to help ease this financial burden.”
Joonhee had a passion for rock climbing, fitness and raving, and had a bright personality, Oh wrote on the GoFundMe page. Chris added that Joonhee’s organ donation helped save another life.
“Many friends and family are saddened by his untimely death, but thanks to Junhee’s organ donation, another life was saved,” Chris wrote. “We ask for your continued support so that we can successfully complete the remaining funeral arrangements for Joonhee, and thank you to everyone who has supported us.”
The LAPD said anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact its West Bureau Homicide team.