Man attacked at New Hope bar dies

Published 9:56 am Friday, December 5, 2014

NEW HOPE — The family of a man attacked at a New Hope bar in June says he has died following complications from surgery.

Thirty-six-year-old John Hillstrom of Crystal was celebrating a friend’s birthday at Outtakes Bar and Grill June 14. A bartender told police Hillstrom and his friends had been arguing with two men when one approached and punched him. A second man punched Hillstrom again when he tried to stand. The two men ran from the bar. Hillstrom was knocked unconscious.

The Star Tribune reports family members say Hillstrom was left with serious brain injuries and was living at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley. They say complications developed when he underwent follow-up surgery in November and he died last weekend.

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A warrant has been issued for one of the assailants.