Emerson College Student Daniel Hollis Critically Injured In Fight At Party

BOSTON (CBS) – Family members of Emerson College sophomore Daniel Hollis say he is unlikely to survive after suffering brain injuries during a fight at a party last weekend in Allston.

According to a website being updated by Hollis' family, the Hopedale High School graduate was leaving a party early Saturday morning with his friends when they were confronted by another group.

"Words were exchanged, pushing/shoving started, and in the scuffle, we believe Dan was hit and subsequently hit his head on cement/bricks as he fell," the family said. "He was brought to a local Boston hospital and was diagnosed with a blood clot on his brain requiring immediate surgery."

Boston Police would only confirm that they responded to an assault and battery outside a building on Park Vale Avenue in Allston and that one person suffered life-threatening injuries.

Hollis, a marketing communications student at Emerson who is on the men's lacrosse team, underwent initial surgery following the incident.

On Monday, Hollis' family updated that despite the emergency surgery, the latest scans show "extensive and unrepairable damage" to large sections of his brain. Doctors told the family Hollis will not regain consciousness.

"Please continue to keep Dan in your thoughts and prayers. We ask that you focus on the positive: his infectious smile, his goofy sense of humor, his love for music, hockey, lacrosse and most importantly his love for his friends and family," Hollis' family wrote. "The positive energy is making it to him and surrounding him with love while he is still with us."

Friend R.J. Stansbury added, "If you needed a smile, if you needed a joke, you look at him and he's got you."

He and Hollis used to play hockey together. "I've never met a kid who could just walk in and light up a room like this kid. You'd see his smile and it was just infectious. If you were having a bad day, you would go and talk to Danny. He was the go-to man to make you feel better," Stansbury said.

Families and friends in Hopedale are struggling to picture what life looks like without him.

Hollis's girlfriend, Christine Sether wrote on Instagram, "You are my first love and one I will carry with me forever...You made this world a brighter place and made me laugh harder than I ever thought possible."

Boston Police said no arrests have been made in the incident that left Hollis injured.

Aurora Antz witnessed what happened. "I saw three guys walk away, yelling at them and I saw a guy on the ground and he seemed really hurt," she said.

Emerson College issued a statement about the incident.

"Out of respect for the family, we are unable to offer comment beyond what has been shared publicly by Daniel Hollis' family. The Emerson College community's thoughts and support are with Dan's friends and loved ones during this difficult time," a spokesman said.

According to Sether, Hollis' friends and family are stopping by the hospital on Tuesday to say their goodbyes.