A California store clerk who was brutally beaten into a coma during a robbery last week has died, CBS Bay Area reports.

Loved ones of Yowhannes Tewelde say he succumbed to his injuries Tuesday afternoon after multiple surgeries, having never regained consciousness.

“I was at home. I get a call from my mom. My dad is in the hospital. I didn’t think it was this severe. Here we are,” Meron Tewelde, the man’s daughter, told KTVU-TV.

The 60-year-old, also known as John, was attacked last week by someone shoplifting at a market in the San Francisco’s Outer Richmond District. Around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, the suspect came to the market and allegedly stole water. He is accused of returning 10 minutes later and stealing two beers.

Yowhannes held a bat to ward off the thief, but the suspect knocked him down, causing Yowhannes to hit his head on the ground. The suspect then struck Yowhannes with the bat. Authorities say the suspect threw the bat at someone else and then fled the scene in an unknown sedan, according to KRON4.

Yowhannes had officially become a U.S. citizen just eight months ago and underwent heart surgery earlier this year. His daughter said he loved to be at the store and worked there seven days a week.

“Right after his heart surgery, he didn’t wait to go back to work because he wanted to be there. There’s something about that community he loves. He loves everyone there,” Meron told KTVU-TV.

Neighbors and community residents have left cards and flowers for Yowhannes and his family. A GoFundMe page is raising money to help support them.

No arrests have been made in connection with the attack. Anyone with information is urged to contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444.

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[Feature Photo: Yowhannes Tewelde/GoFundMe]