Seattle Hairdresser Succumbs to Injuries From Assault

A prominent Seattle hairdresser died Sunday, nearly two weeks after he was assaulted by three teenagers -- possibly because he was gay.

Danny Vega, 58, was attacked during his evening walk November 15 by three young men who approached him from behind, beat him, and took his cell phone and keys before fleeing the scene. The assault occurred near the hairdresser's home and business.

According to The Seattle Times, Vega claimed to have lost consciousness during the incident but still managed to walk home and call 911. He was taken to a local hospital with massive injuries to his brain, kidneys, and liver. He eventually slipped into a coma.

Vega was openly gay and a well-known member of Seattle's Filipino community. While his family believes his sexual orientation might have made him a target, Seattle police say there is not enough evidence at this time to classify the attack as a hate crime.

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