A 71-year-old man who survived a brain tumour for 16 years is now fighting for his life after a vicious and unprovoked assault while walking his dog in the United States.
A Shocking and Brutal Assault
Jeff Zimmerman, from Phoenix, Arizona, was targeted by a stranger while walking his pet in his own neighbourhood. The attacker, who was on a bicycle, approached Jeff and began beating him without warning, knocking the pensioner to the ground.
The sustained violence only ceased when a courageous couple intervened, physically pulling the assailant away from the severely injured man. Jeff's family stated he was "nearly beaten to death" during the horrific incident.
Severe Injuries and a Daunting Recovery
The attack on 22 December 2025 left Jeff with catastrophic injuries. He suffered severe head trauma, multiple broken bones, and significant damage to his right eye. He spent four days in an intensive care unit before being transferred to a specialist trauma centre, where he remains under close medical supervision.
His daughter, Kiera, revealed her father is in "immense pain" and is only at the "very beginning of what will be a long and difficult recovery." The family is particularly concerned about his eyesight, as Jeff already had double vision in his left eye as a lasting effect of his brain tumour.
Family's Emotional Plea for Support
Jeff's loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page aiming to raise $40,000 (approximately £29,000) to help cover his mounting medical expenses. The funds will support his hospital care, rehabilitation, vision treatment, and living costs during his extended recovery.
In a heartfelt message on the fundraiser, Kiera described her father as her best friend and "the strongest person I have ever known." She wrote, "My dad will be 72 years old on January 2, and instead of celebrating another year of life, he is fighting just to heal."
She praised his spirit, noting that despite chronic health issues from his tumour, he remains a funny and loving person who "lights up every room he enters."
Local police have confirmed an active investigation into the assault is ongoing. Authorities have stated they hope to release more information about the suspect soon.
