Only on 10: Man in coma following assault in Newport, family speaks out

NEWPORT, R.I. — Kyle Kettner, 28, of Newport, is at Rhode Island Hospital after suffering a serious head injury.

NBC 10 News spoke to his sister-in-law on the phone Monday.

"He got attacked and he landed head first on the concrete," said Jodie Morinho.

Kettner was attacked while with his girlfriend Friday night on Bliss Road, off Broadway.

He was left in a coma.

Kettner's cousin, Ezra Thompson, saw him in the hospital Sunday.

"He looked a little rough, but under the circumstances it looks like he's coming along much better," Thompson said.

Kettner has worked in restaurants in Newport.

He has a young son.

"His life revolves around his son right now," said Morinho. "He's trying to do everything he can to make a better life for himself and his son."

Romeo Ellorin befriended Kettner when he asked Kyle to be in a film he's making. He told NBC 10 he was "shocked" when he learned of the attack.

"I was devastated because I've known Kyle for years and the dude is one of the nicest guys on the island," said Ellorin. "Everybody loves him."

Now, family and friends want to know who hurt him.

"I would hope the guy would turn himself in considering what he's done," said Morinho. "There's a little boy out there without his father."

A GoFundMe page has been set up in Kettner's honor. Click here to learn more.