SEATTLE – Danny Vega, the Filipino-American salon owner allegedly attacked by a group of young men in Seattle, died Sunday afternoon.

Investigators said that Vega was walking in Seattle’s Rainer Valley neighborhood when he was attacked from behind by three teenagers on November 15. The assailants allegedly tried to steal his cell phone.

Vega was beaten but reportedly managed to regain consciousness and walked two more blocks to his home.

Vega suffered skull and rib fractures, and went through an emergency operation to stop severe internal bleeding. He died after 12 days on life support.

Hours before his death, Vega’s family and friends gathered at his home to pray for his recovery.

Eli Ferrer, one of Vega’s friends, remembered the openly-gay salon owner as light- hearted person.

"Gusto niya laging masaya, yung tawanan (He is a fun-loving person; he likes to laugh)," said Ferrer.

Vega’s his family believes that he was not just targeted for theft, but was assaulted for being gay.

As a response to the attack, Vega’s friends in the gay community are reviving an association to help protect and support victims of hate crimes. They are also actively seeking help from witnesses to come out and help with the case.

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