MILWAUKEE — Iam Fuchs, a resident of the Riverwest neighborhood, is battling severe injuries and escalating medical expenses following a brutal ambush that occurred while he was walking home from a friend’s memorial on the evening of Aug. 5, 2024. Despite the painful ordeal that has significantly impeded his daily life, Fuchs maintains his affection and commitment to his community.
The assault, described by Fuchs as both shocking and swift, took place near Bremen and Wright streets, abruptly ending his peaceful walk. “I was suddenly struck in the face, sending me to the ground,” Fuchs recounted. Following the initial blow, he and a coworker found themselves encircled by a large group, which left them defenseless and severely wounded.
According to Fuchs, the attackers seemed to take pleasure in the violence. “They were laughing at us, as if it was a sport for them,” he explained. The attackers were unrelenting, as they physically assaulted him and pistol-whipped his coworker. In the mayhem, Fuchs attempted to fend off the assailants by grabbing at their legs.
The brutality of the attack resulted in Fuchs sustaining a severe concussion, a traumatic brain injury, and internal bleeding in his brain. Since the incident, he has endured continuous mental and physical anguish. “Egregous headaches … every day,” said Fuchs, voicing his frustration over the relentless pain. The trauma has extended beyond headaches, causing significant vision issues due to damage to his left eye and complicating basic cognitive functions.
Adding to his hardship, Fuchs noted the personal losses he sustained during the attack. “My wallet was gone, my keys were gone. They took everything I had,” he said. While some of his injuries have shown signs of improvement, recent medical scans indicate that his brain bleeding has worsened, necessitating potential brain surgery.
The financial strain is significant with Fuchs facing an estimated $100,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses. “Plus car payments, insurance … all this stuff keeps piling up,” he added, detailing the accumulating financial pressures.
Despite these challenges, Fuchs’ spirit remains resilient, fueled by a strong sense of community support inherent to Riverwest. “There is a solid sense of community, and people take care of each other here,” he expressed, affirming his appreciation and love for his neighbors.
As he navigates his recovery, Fuchs is appealing to the community for support. Contributions towards his medical and recovery expenses can be made through his GoFundMe page, set up to help manage the overwhelming costs.
In echoing his plea for community support and emphasizing the collective strength of Riverwest, Fuchs is a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. Those interested in assisting with his recovery and safeguarding the vibrancy of the local community are encouraged to connect and contribute through his fundraising efforts.