Student left in a coma after brutal campus attack by four men
Derek Correa was badly beaten at Alfred State College
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A New York state student was left in a coma with severe head injuries after being brutally attacked by four men on a university campus.
Officials at Alfred State College say that Derek Correa was badly beaten by the men as he walked across campus in the early hours of 15 October.
The four suspects, who were arrested by campus police after a witness called 911, have no connection to the university and are being held in Allegany County jail.
Authorities say that 19-year-old Moses Scharborough, 20-year-old William Blye, 20-year-old Jayson Lewis, and 19-year-old Eric Plante, all of Elmira, have been charged with one count of gang assault in the first degree, with more charges pending.
A GoFundMe set up for the victim has already raised more than $33,000 to help cover the family’s costs of being by his side in hospital.
It states that the teenager was “violently and brutally attacked…for no reason leaving him severely injured and everyday fighting for his life in the Intensive Care unit. Derek has severe trauma to his face and brain and is in a coma.”
And it added: “He is now fighting for his life instead of enjoying it.”
College President Dr Steven Mauro addressed the shocking attack in a video shared with the university community, reported WETM.
In it, he called the incident “the antithesis of everything we love about our valley” and a “senseless act” of violence.
“As a result of this crime, our student sustained severe head trauma and is in a coma. He is fighting for his life,” Dr Mauro said.
“Violence is never an appropriate response to anything for any reason.”
Mr Correa is a 2023 graduate of Bradford Area High School in Pennsylvania and is studying for a degree in CNC machinery.