A Sydney father remains in critical condition in a Colombian hospital following a brutal stabbing attack in Medellin. Frank Stephen Ramirez, 46, was found early Sunday morning suffering from 25 stab wounds after attending the Electric Daisy Carnival music festival.
Ramirez was discovered around 4:40 a.m. near his home in the Laureles neighborhood of Medellin. Local reports indicate he sustained multiple injuries, including eight stab wounds to his right thigh, six to his left thigh, three to his right arm, and eight to his abdomen. He was quickly transported to the Incolmed Clinic, where he is receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries.
According to a fundraising page set up by friends and family, Ramirez was allegedly kidnapped after leaving the festival. The fundraiser states that he was forced into the back of a vehicle, where assailants stabbed and tortured him while demanding money. After the attack, they reportedly threw him from the moving vehicle and left him on the street to die.
Witnesses reportedly informed Colombian authorities that they saw Ramirez being ejected from the car. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from public and private cameras in the surrounding area to identify the vehicle involved in the incident and to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Authorities are exploring whether the assault was a robbery that escalated into extreme violence. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the attack.
Ramirez’s family in Sydney has launched a fundraising appeal to assist with his medical costs, arrange for his wife to travel to Colombia, and provide financial support during his anticipated long recovery. The appeal has drawn support from various industry leaders and community members concerned for Ramirez and his family.
The incident has also raised concerns about safety for international visitors and residents in Medellin, particularly following large public events. Colombian police have pledged to continue their investigation and bring those responsible to justice.