Liv Bridge
A 'brave' father has died after confronting a teenage boy who had allegedly assaulted his daughter.
Louis Serbeck, known fondly as Gus, died on Easter Sunday (April 29) after being beaten to death with a metal bat, according to authorities in New Jersey.
It is reported that the 54-year-old father had confronted a 17-year-old boy, identified only as J.H. by prosecutors, for allegedly assaulting his teenage daughter.
Serbeck and his daughter went to speak to the teen when the youngster reportedly answered the door and the confrontation unravelled.
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According to Columbia County Prosecutor, J.H. is alleged to have 'struck Serbeck in the head several times with a metal baseball bat.'
Another man, 55-year-old Eric Hannah, is then believed to have 'joined the fight' and 'struck Serbeck in the back of the head with a metal flashlight,' the prosecutor's statement reads as per Yahoo News.
It added J.H. also 'suffered facial injuries' and that he reportedly hit Serbeck's daughter in the head with a bat.
Cops from Vineland Police Department raced to the scene with paramedics after the incident where the father-of-two was then taken to a local hospital.
From there, Serbeck was processed for a medical evacuation to Cooper Hospital in Camden, approximately 40 miles away, but tragically died during the journey.
Police have since arrested Eric Hannah and the unnamed teenager on charges of homicide and weapons offenses.
J.H. is also facing an additional charge of aggravated assault.
A GoFundMe set up to support his two surviving daughters and to pay for funeral costs described Serbeck as a 'bright spark in this world' whom 'touched the lives of so many.'
"He was one of the bravest, caring, outgoing, warmhearted, funny, and most protective men to be known. He would do anything for his two beautiful daughters, as many would know they were his lifeline," it continues.
"I would like to try to ease the burden that they and their family will be going through in the times ahead while laying him to rest! Especially for my best friend, his youngest daughter, who saw her father as her best friend, her twin, her sole provider, the only one she could count on, and most importantly, the one who was keeping a roof over her head!"
The fundraiser, which at the time of writing has raised more than $14,500, says the funds will go towards helping the family while they navigate this 'life-changing' incident.
"Not only is it losing your father, but then having to provide for yourself, finding a roof over your head, finding a future for yourself, etc., all while trying to grieve and process the devastating loss," it concludes.