‘God left me there for a reason’: Coconut Grove man returns from hospital after street beating
COCONUT GROVE, Florida. (FloridaToday.news) — A few days after he was severely beaten in Coconut Grove, the man returned from the hospital, but as his body continues to recover from the brutal attack, his psychological and emotional wounds may take longer to heal.
Speaking to 7News on Friday, Gregory Breidenbach described his injuries from the attack after spending several days in the hospital.
“I have plates all over my face,” he said.
Breidenbach required extensive surgery, including facial reconstruction, after he said people lashed out at him early Saturday morning.
Not knowing was the hardest part for him.
“Is it my fault that something happened to me? Was I too bright? Was I too happy? He said. “And then you think, ‘No, it’s not, it’s not, it’s just that there are bad people out there.’
Breidenbach said he was attacked as he was walking home just after midnight.
The victim said that the two men punched and kicked him again and again, calling him an offensive insult to a gay man.
“I want people to know that there is crime out there, but just be aware – be aware of your surroundings,” Breidenbach said.
On Friday he was surrounded by people who continue to show him love and support, including his friends Stephanie Kepley and Carol White.
“Thank God, he is at home. God bless Greg. Thank God he’s home,” Kepley said.
“Greg is a fighter and love conquers all, love is stronger than hate,” White said, “and there’s so much love in this room right now, so much love for Greg, I know we’ll win.”
Breidenbach and White serve on the board of the Coconut Grove sorority.
In addition to the Miami City Police’s ongoing investigation, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle is also investigating the attack, White said.
“She assures us that this will not go unanswered, that she is working very closely with law enforcement,” White said, “and we are not going to stop until we find out and bring to justice whoever did this.”
As for Breidenbach, he said the attack gave him a new purpose in life: to try to help others.
“I sincerely believe that God left me there for a reason,” he said. “He didn’t take me because I have a job and I have to save the next person.”
Breidenbach created a GoFundMe account to help pay for medical expenses. In just one day, they raised over $7,200. If you would like to donate, please click here.
If you have any information about this attack or the whereabouts of the subjects, please call Miami-Dade Crime Squad at 305-471-TIPS. Remember that you can always remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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