By Ruth Bashinsky For Dailymail.Com
Published: 16:55 EDT, 2 January 2023 | Updated: 17:42 EDT, 2 January 2023 mill roller
A bouncer has died after being knocked into a coma by a furious man outside a bar in New York City's swanky Chelsea neighborhood.
Duane Patterson, 61, was at work on Christmas Eve when he was accosted by the suspect - who punched the bouncer and knocked him to the ground.
Patterson has been in a coma ever since he whacked his head on the ground during the 3am fight outside Billymark's West Bar near West 29th Street.
However on Monday, authorities confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries and died in hospital after the punch-up.
Duane Patterson, 61, was at work on Christmas Eve when he was accosted by the suspect - who punched the bouncer and knocked him to the ground.
Billymark's West Bar near W. 29th Street is where the vicious attack occurred on Christmas Eve
Patterson, of Fort George, was rushed to Bellevue Hospital after being found out cold by a bartender on December 24.
He had a critical skull fracture injury and spent several days in a coma. Police deemed Patterson’s death a homicide.
His daughter, Arianna Buchholz, revealed on a GoFundMe: 'Duane suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for four days.
'The intensive care he received was unfortunately not enough to revive his mind.
'The family is in need of emotional and financial support during this devastating time.'
Police are still searching for the suspect, who they believe fled the scene on foot.
The suspect (pictured) is described as a male, dark complexion, approximately 40 to 50 years of age, heavy build, bald and was last seen wearing a red Champion hoodie sweater, black jacket, black pants and black sneakers
Patterson's distraught wife, Melissa told Daily News that her husband was a veteran in the Air Force.
The couple had been married for 26 years, and shared a daughter together. She described her partner as 'funny and polite.'
His daughter wrote that her father was a registered organ donor and said that the family was now taking 'every step possible to make sure others will be able to obtain what he has to give.'
'He may not be able to continue on this earth but his contribution will ensure that others can,' Bucholz wrote.
Describing her father as 'strong, and honorable,' who she said, 'was always quick to make us laugh.'
She added: 'We will love you dearly always and forever.'
People who knew Patterson- and some who did not - and were touched by his kindness and humor shared their feelings of disbelief and sorrow.
'I have never met Duane. I know this is just the right thing to do even though I do not have a lot of money to give,' wrote someone who donated $10 towards his funeral expenses.
He added: 'I am sure he would be the first man to say it is not the amount of money that counts, it is that you care. It sure seems he did.'
Another person wrote: 'D always had a smile and that contagious laugh was second to none. His beautiful life will go on in the those in need of a future. God bless you Dtrain.. heaven is a better place with you there.'
As of Monday evening, nearly $17,000 was raised towards the family's goal of $20,000.
On Friday, police released surveillance footage of the suspect and are asking the public for any information to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
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