LAS VEGAS, Nov 15, (Agencies): A grieving father fondly recalls his teenage son as a "brave young man" who tragically lost his life in an altercation involving approximately 15 individuals outside his high school.

Jonathan Lewis Jr reportedly fell victim to an attack near Rancho High School in Las Vegas on Nov 1. Succumbing to his injuries several days later, Jonathan's father, Jonathan Lewis Sr., shared the heartbreaking news on a GoFundMe page dedicated to his memory.

The fundraiser, having amassed over $47,000 by Monday, alleges that the confrontation unfolded when one of Jonathan's smaller friends had something stolen by the group of 15. The situation escalated when the smaller boy was thrown into a trash can, prompting Jonathan to intervene, only to face a brutal attack by the assailants.

In a poignant update on Nov 7, Lewis Sr. announced the devastating loss of his son, declaring, "Today at 11:26 am, my son was pronounced dead. He will always be so loved. As his dad, I'll forever hold him in my heart, shine even brighter, love even more, and work all my life to bring peace into this world."

The incident occurred at 2:05 pm on Nov 1 near the intersection of Searles Avenue and North 21st Street. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has not officially disclosed the victim's identity, and their homicide unit is actively investigating the attack, with no arrests made thus far. Lewis Sr expressed that the entire family is in shock over the untimely death of his son.

At the time of the assault, Jonathan lived in Las Vegas with his mother but had plans to relocate to Austin, Texas, to live with his father. According to Lewis Sr., the attackers, unable to inflict sufficient harm with two individuals, resorted to a group assault, further emphasizing the shocking and violent nature of the incident.

Described on his GoFundMe as "a kind, loving, gentle young man who has the heart of a champion and the brightest loving energy that attracts people to him with love," Jonathan Lewis Jr.'s tragic end has left a community mourning the loss of a promising and compassionate individual.