A Sydney father is fighting for life in a Colombian hospital after he was found with 25 stab wounds following a music festival, with his family claiming he was kidnapped, tortured and thrown from a moving car.
Frank Stephen Ramirez, 46, was discovered with serious injuries on a street in Medellin about 4.40am on Sunday after attending the Electric Daisy Carnival music festival.
Colombian publication Q’Hubo Medellin reported Mr Ramirez was found near his residence in the city’s Laureles neighbourhood at the intersection of Diagonal 75A and Carrera 33B.
He suffered eight stab wounds to his right thigh, six to his left thigh, three to his right arm and eight to his abdomen, according to the local report.
Mr Ramirez was rushed to the Incodol Clinic, where doctors were treating his serious injuries.
An online fundraiser established by his family and friends says the father was kidnapped after leaving the festival and forced into the back of a vehicle.
His attackers repeatedly stabbed and tortured him while attempting to force him to hand over money.
“When they were done, they kicked him out of a moving car and left him in the street to die like he was nothing,” the fundraiser said.
Witnesses reportedly told Colombian authorities they saw Mr Ramirez being thrown from a moving vehicle.
Colombian authorities are reportedly examining public surveillance footage and private security cameras in surrounding streets to identify the vehicle and establish what happened.
Investigators are considering whether the attack was a robbery that escalated into violence, according to Q’Hubo Medellín.
No arrests have yet been made.
Mr Ramirez’s family in Sydney has launched a fundraising appeal to cover his medical expenses, fly his wife to Colombia and provide financial support during what is expected to be a lengthy recovery.
The fundraiser, organised by Cindy Aguilera and Michelle Ramirez, describes Mr Ramirez as a devoted husband, father and friend who had worked hard to build a life for his family in Australia.
“Frank Stephen Ramirez is a man with a heart of gold,” the appeal said.
“He is a devoted father to his son, a loving and dedicated husband to his wife, and a cherished friend to all who know him.”
His family said the trip was supposed to be an opportunity to enjoy a major international music festival but had instead left them facing mounting medical bills and uncertainty about Mr Ramirez’s recovery.
They are seeking financial assistance to cover flights and accommodation for his wife, who the fundraiser said needed to travel to Colombia to be by his side.
“Frank is alone, terrified, and in critical condition,” organisers said.
“His wife’s presence is not just a comfort – it is essential for his will to fight and for his recovery.”
The fundraiser said Mr Ramirez would require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care, while his inability to work would place additional financial pressure on his family.
“Frank did not deserve this,” organisers said.
“He went to Colombia with nothing but positive energy to enjoy an event he loved.”
The family is appealing for donations to assist with his treatment and eventual recovery.
The Australian government’s Smartraveller advice recommends travellers exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia because of threats including violent crime and terrorism.