TUCSON, Ariz. – The community of Tucson mourns the loss of Jacob Couch, a 32-year-old man who tragically passed away after a vicious attack in downtown Tucson. Couch had been fighting for his life since the brutal incident earlier this month, but succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, according to his family.
The Couch family shared that Jacob’s passing came shortly after a touching vigil held in his honor outside Banner University Medical Center. His loved ones revealed that his death was attributed to heart failure, marking a solemn conclusion to his battle for survival.
The incident unfolded on April 5 when Jacob Couch and his wife, Kristen Couch, were seated on a bench at the corner of 6th Avenue and Broadway Boulevard. Daniel Michael, a 25-year-old man, approached the couple and engaged in a heated exchange. Amidst the confrontation, Michael viciously attacked Jacob Couch with a machete-type knife, causing a severe wound to the back of his neck.
Jacob’s sister-in-law, Erica Sims, described the extent of his injuries, noting that the blow had cut an artery in his neck, penetrating deeply into his skull. The couple, on their way back home to Alabama from a trip, had made a stop in Tucson to explore the area but were met with an unimaginable tragedy.
Following an investigation, Michael was located at his residence three days later, where authorities discovered incriminating evidence linking him to the horrific attack. Despite initially denying involvement, Michael eventually admitted to encountering Jacob Couch but claimed to have no recollection of the events due to heavy intoxication.
Michael now faces charges of aggravated assault, with the possibility of a murder charge looming following Jacob Couch’s death. The Tucson community, deeply impacted by this senseless act of violence, rallied behind the Couch family in their time of grief, offering support and solidarity.
The tragic incident also sparked a generous outpouring of donations through a GoFundMe account established in Jacob Couch’s memory, surpassing $65,000 in contributions. As the community grapples with the loss of a beloved member, the memory of Jacob Couch continues to resonate, a reminder of the need for unity and compassion in the face of adversity.