NASHVILLE, TN – A young man who sustained critical injuries following an altercation with a bar security guard in Nashville, has succumbed to his injuries. Austin Turner, 26, had been fighting for his life in a coma at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after sustaining severe brain damage in the February clash at the Tin Roof bar.
Richard Cornelius, a 36-year-old security guard at the bar, is alleged to have struck Turner, causing him to fall and lose consciousness.
Surveillance footage reported to police apparently shows Cornelius taking multiple swings at Turner before landing the severe blow. Turner’s extensive injuries included a skull fracture, a subdural hematoma, massive strokes, and he underwent an emergency craniotomy.
Initially, Cornelius was charged with aggravated assault and later released on a $25,000 bond. Given Turner’s untimely demise, detectives are now discussing potential additional charges with the District Attorney’s Office. Cornelius’ legal representation has yet to comment on these developments.
Turner’s family is devastated. His stepmother, Meagan Turner, stated that Austin did nothing to provoke this brutal assault. Owing to the grave prognosis provided by the doctors, the family had to make the difficult decision to take him off life support. Turner’s mother, Brandi Maynard, condemned the tragic incident and expressed her immeasurable grief.
Tin Roof CEO Bob Franklin confirmed that Cornelius is no longer part of their team.