A San Francisco 49ers fan remains in a medically-induced coma after being found injured in the SoFi Stadium parking lot at Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center staff told Inglewood police they believe Daniel Luna, 40, was attacked. Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics found Luna about 30 minutes into the NFC championship game, wearing a San Francisco jersey, according to Inglewood Police Lt. Geoffrey Meeks.
"They (medical staff) believe he suffered from an assault at the stadium to his upper body and facial area," Meeks said. "We are relying heavily on video to try to identify the people involved. We are going to leave no stone unturned."
Vernon Hill, a friend in contact with Luna's family, told the Los Angeles Times that Luna flew from Oakland, California, to attend the game alone. Hill also shared that Luna still had his watch, wallet, and cell phone in his possession when brought to the hospital. Luna's wife is at the hospital with him.
Luna is a Bay Area native who owns Mistura Peruvian Rotisserie in Oakland, a restaurant specializing in Peruvian fusion cuisine. Mistura is temporally closed, according to the restaurant's website.
In a statement to USA TODAY Sports, SoFi Stadium says they are "aware and saddened" by the incident.
"Our thoughts are with Mr. Luna's friends and family during this difficult time. We are working with law enforcement officials in their investigation."
The stadium that seats 70,240 is set to host Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Luna's apparent attack is similar to the story of Bryan Stow – a former paramedic who suffered traumatic brain injuries when he was attacked and beaten into a coma in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium in 2011 on opening day.
Contact Analis Bailey at [email protected] or on Twitter @analisbailey.