A 21-year-old man remains in intensive care after an alleged assault outside a Maroochydore nightclub, with the local community rallying behind his family in the days since.
Daniel Phillips is fighting for his life after he was punched and knocked to the ground about 12.13am on January 17 in Ocean Street’s restaurant and nightclub precinct.
Doctors have told the family Mr Phillips faces a long and uncertain road ahead after suffering a traumatic brain injury.
“They had to remove nearly half his skull to relieve the pressure on his brain and drain the bleeding,” his sister Brianna Phillips says.
“The surgeons have done absolutely everything they can to give him the best possible outcome.”
Ms Phillips describes her brother as a kind and vibrant young man with a passion for dirt-bike riding.
“Dan’s a character. He’s kind, bubbly, and he can make literally anyone laugh,” she says.
“He’d do absolutely anything for anyone. He’s very happy, very kind – just a genuinely good person.”
The outpouring of community support has provided comfort to the family. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Mr Phillips’ recovery, and more than $35,000 has been raised.
“We’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support – the messages, the donations, even people just sharing the link,” Ms Phillips says.
“We want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the police, paramedics, nurses, surgeons and detectives.”
Police confirmed three men are assisting with inquiries as investigations into the serious assault continue.
Make a donation towards Mr Phillips’ recover at gofund.me/4dfd64eb9
