On January 22, Patrick Prejean was allegedly attacked at the Fitness Connection in Mesquite where he worked as a security guard.
The 43-year-old was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
The altercation – between Prejean and other individuals, some of whom have been identified by investigators – was reportedly captured on video and uploaded to YouTube.
It was via that social media platform that many relatives of Prejean learned the news of his death.
Mesquite Police have not released many details as they are conducting an open investigation and, critically, awaiting the official cause of death from the medical examiner; investigators want to know if Prejean was a victim of homicidal violence per autopsy-report findings.
It is still unknown what precipitated the fight.
“We want answers because of the way it happened and how sudden it happened. He was a gentle giant,” said, Michelle Hall, a cousin of Prejean.
“We are all numb … He has three boys that’s left without a father,” Hall reflected.
Further reminiscing, Hall added, “I will miss his smile… He didn’t deserve to leave us like that.”
Until the cause of death is confirmed, no charges will be filed.
Fitness Connection is cooperating with investigators and released this statement: “We strongly condemn all acts of violence in our communities, but especially within the walls of our fitness facilities. We send our deepest condolences to the family of the victim of this needless attack.”
