The family of Jacob Couch from Arab has announced that he has passed away.
Couch was violently attacked by a hatchet-wielding assailant while sitting with his wife Kristen at a bus stop in Tucson, Ariz. on their way home to Alabama.
The two were traveling back to Arab after spending nearly a year in Los Angeles, coping with the loss of their son Brooks, who was stillborn in May 2024.
The 32-year-old father of two passed away Thursday night, according to his family, after nearly two weeks on life support. Per KGUN 9, Couch's sister-in-law Erica Sims confirmed he passed away at 8:58 p.m. after his heart gave out as a result of pneumonia.
In an interview with WBRC13, Couch's wife described, "Seeing your husband get almost decapitated and being the only one to help, like it's hard."
Kristen spoke with 13 News outside of Banner University Medical Center, where Jacob passed away. Just hours earlier, the community came together for a prayer vigil outside the hospital.
Jacob's brother, Luke Couch, and his wife Erica Sims created a GoFundMe account that has raised over $67,205. The fund was originally to cover the cost of the family to travel to be with their loved ones, but an update indicates that it will also be used for funeral expenses, expenses related to travel necessary for the criminal trial of the assailant. The latest update says that additional funds will be donated to Crouch's daughter.
Luke Couch said about his brother. "I always wanted to be just like him growing up."
"My brother was a sweet, sweet person," he added. "He'd never hurt a soul."
Previous reports highlight an outpouring of support, including a guest house for the family to stay offered by a local resident, clothing, food, money, and gift card donations.
In an interview with the Arizona Republic, Luke Couch said, "It has brought us to tears the amount of support that we have received from back home, from down here in Tucson, from people who have no idea who we are, and who our family is. I can't thank everyone enough."
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