Unfortunate Update: Jacob Couch Has Died Following Senseless Attack
We have some deeply saddening news to share regarding Jacob Couch, the man who was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Tucson. Many of you followed our initial report on this horrific incident where an individual with apparent impulse control issues targeted Jacob, seemingly looking for someone to harm.
Tragically, we can now confirm that Jacob Couch has passed away. Just after a vigil was held for him at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, at approximately 2:00 a.m. last night, Jacob succumbed to his injuries. His brother has spoken out about this devastating loss.
As many of you know, Jacob and his wife Kristen were in California grieving the loss of their stillborn son. They were traveling back to their hometown in Alabama when their lives were upended in Tucson. The attack occurred at a streetcar stop in downtown Tucson around 10:00 a.m., just two miles from the University of Arizona campus and two blocks away from Tucson police headquarters.
Jacob had been on life support for the past two weeks, and officials had indicated that his chances of survival were low. His sister-in-law, Erica Sims, confirmed that his heart gave out at 8:58 p.m. Thursday, mere hours after the vigil.
Jacob’s younger brother, Luke Couch, told Fox News that Jacob had “the biggest heart” he had ever met and was a caring person who loved his family deeply. Luke also expressed his pain at not being there to protect his brother and his desire to ensure the attacker “never does this again”.
Authorities have released few details about a potential motive. Daniel McMichael, the individual arrested in connection with the attack, initially denied involvement but later admitted to being present and claimed he had been drinking. Shockingly, his lawyer in the initial bond hearing has now claimed self-defense, despite the fact that Jacob was reportedly sitting alone on a park bench when he was attacked with a hatchet. Records indicate that Jacob and his wife were sitting on a bench on April 5th when the attacker approached and yelled at them, and after Jacob said something back, the assault occurred, severing an artery in his neck and going into his skull.
In this dark time, we want to acknowledge the incredible outpouring of support from the Tucson community. We’ve learned that community members have provided Jacob’s family with a place to stay, food, and other necessities. A GoFundMe campaign was also launched to help with travel expenses, raising nearly $50,000.
We also want to remind everyone about the fundraiser we started for Jacob’s wife and children. Sadly, this will now serve as a memorial fund. The generosity has been overwhelming, with the community raising nearly $52,000 so far. We are hopeful that this support will continue to grow and help his family through this unimaginable tragedy, perhaps even providing for his children’s future.
This is a truly senseless and brutal act that has deeply affected the Tucson community and all of us who have been following this story. We believe that Jacob did absolutely nothing to provoke this horrific violence.
We urge you to continue to keep Jacob’s family in your thoughts. If you are able to help, we have left a link to the memorial fund at givesendgo.com/helpjacob, and it is also pinned in the comments. Please consider sharing this to help support Kristen and their children during this incredibly difficult time.
