David Bertucci, of Highland Park, Ill., is in a medically induced coma. Police say the 41-year-old was standing outside Crescendo nightclub on Ontario Street in the River North neighborhood around 5 a.m. Sunday morning following a physical altercation inside.
"A fight broke out, and these guys were thrown out of the bar. Then, the fight broke out in front of the bar," said Jennifer Greenbaum, Bertucci's girlfriend.
Greenbaum says when Bertucci went outside to have the valet get his car, he got caught up in the fight. Paramedics found the 41-year-old unconscious and bleeding on the corner of Erie and Wells.
Greenbaum has been by Bertucci's bedside since the incident. She says Bertucci is suffering from fractures to the eye and bruising on the brain. Although he is in a medically induced coma, she says he is showing some signs of recovery.
"We just hope someone comes forward and gives us some information. The family is heartbroken and we just want to see him get better," said Greenbaum.
Bertucci's family is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
The model and actor was working his way to stardom. He has had stints on dramas and small parts in several big screen movies.
Doctors are planning to keep Bertucci in the coma for as long as seven days or until the swelling and bleeding subsides, according to Greenbaum.
Police are looking at video surveillance from inside the club as part of the investigation.
No one from Crescendo wanted to comment on the case.
