Devastating text hero teen, 17 sent dad before being 'killed by bullies'

13 November 2023 , 16:11

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Devastating text hero teen, 17 sent dad before being 'killed by bullies'

A teenager died after he was allegedly beaten to death by a gang of students in Las Vegas while protecting his friend.

Jonathan Lewis, 17, was reportedly attacked on November 1 outside Rancho High School. The boy was rushed to hospital where he remained in a critical condition but sadly later died on November 7.

Footage shared on social media appeared to show a mob of up to 15 youths attacking Jonathan, repeatedly kicking an punching him while he was on the ground. It is believed that he was trying to defend a smaller friend of his who had something stolen from him by the group.

Jonathan Lewis had plans to join the military just like his grandfather (GoFundMe)

Las Vegas Police has opened up an investigation into the attack on November 1 (GoFundMe)

The victim's dad has paid tribute to his son and called him a " a courageous young man." He also shared the heartbreaking final text message that he sent Jonathan. It simply said: "Love you son."

On a GoFundMe page set up by his dad, also called Jonathan, set up on November 6, he wrote: "Our son is a kind, loving, gentle young man who has the heart of a champion and the brightest loving energy that attracts people to him with love! He's an aspiring artist, devoted big brother, and a fierce protector of love ones!"

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The mob engulfs Jonathan and his friend (WallStreetSilv/Twitter)

Jonathan told the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "A couple [of people] attacked him, and they weren’t able to hurt him enough, and they all attacked him at once." While police rushed to the scene are reportedly found the teen “battered and bleeding from the head."

The Las Vegas Police Department has launched an investigation, although no arrests have been made. While Jonathan said that the authorities informed his family that they plan to press charges.

Jonathan's dad at the side of his son in hospital (GoFundMe)

Jonathan said that his son was planning to move to Austin, Texas, to live with him as well as potentially joining the military like his grandfather. He added that his kept himself to himself and it is understood he was living with his mum in Las Vegas at the time of his death. He said: "Violence just begets more violence and these children don’t even know what they’re doing half the time."

Steven White