WHEELING - A local business owner died Friday following a brutal assault near his downtown eatery a week ago.
Travis J. Hocutt, 37, owner of Hocutt's Carolina BBQ at 14th and Main streets, had been on life support and was not expected to survive, according to an employee who was cleaning up in preparation to close the business Friday afternoon.
Hocutt, a Wheeling resident, died Friday at Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling.
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A downtown businessman was beaten near his establishment at 14th and Main streets early Oct. 9 and has died from his injuries.
Wheeling Police Chief Robert Matheny said officers responded to a report of an injured man on the sidewalk in the area of 14th and Main streets at about 3 a.m. Oct. 9. He said they found Hocutt hurt but conscious. Detectives are investigating, according to Matheny, but he would confirm no further details.
The employee said Hocutt was severely beaten and sustained numerous injuries to his head and face, as well as a cracked rib.
Hocutt was married with three children, the employee said. He added the business, which opened at 1323 Main St. earlier this year, will be closed indefinitely.
Arrangements are pending at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Service, Moundsville.