Man Dies After 'Devastating' Punch From Bouncer Outside Bar, Video Shows

A man ejected from a bar for being drunk has died after being punched by a bouncer.

Surveillance footage from a security camera across the street shows Eric Pope apparently in good spirits, as he dances by the side of the road outside Tabu, a popular gay bar Philadelphia.

But moments later, he is approached by a bouncer from the South 12th Street venue who punches him once, causing the 41-year-old to fall backwards and appear to smash his head on the ground. The footage was obtained by abc6, and posted on its Youtube channel.

The incident happened at about 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, but the case has regained attention with the release of the surveillance tape. Pope remained by the side of the road for two minutes before the bouncer and another man drag him to the sidewalk. He was later taken to hospital and put on life support, but died from his injuries a week later, on Saturday, April 23.

Sources close to the investigation told another local news channel, Eyewitness News 3, that Pope had been escorted out of the venue for being intoxicated, shortly before the incident.

Other patrons of the bar told the channel that the bouncers at Tabu are notoriously tough. Speaking on condition of anonymity, and after viewing the surveillance footage, one local said: "The bouncers there, they're horrible. They intimidate you. That could be anyone's son. I mean, yeah, he was drunk, but it looked like he was having a good time. He wasn't being abusive or anything. He was just dancing in the street."

He added: "When you see the punch, and the guy just hits the ground, it was devastating."

Pope's aunt, who was not named, spoke about him in a brief phone interview aired by abc6: "He cared about people, helping people. He was a school committee member for many years. And anybody that needed anything, he would be there to help them."

The channel said they had spoken to sources who claimed the bouncer was not employed directly by Tabu, but instead worked for a private security company.

Jeffrey Sotland, owner of Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, released a statement saying: "When the unconscious individual was reported to our management, we immediately called 911 and sought assistance."

Tabu's website bills the venue as being a friendly and welcoming place for everybody and states: "The concept of Tabu was created out of a need to have a true sports bar that caters to the diverse and dynamic crowd that makes up the Gayborhood as part of Washington Square West."

The venue is spread over three floors and features regular burlesque performances and drag shows.

Sources close to the investigation told Eyewitness News that they have a "person of interest" in the investigation, who is cooperating with their inquiries.

Newsweek has contacted Philadelphia Police Department and Tabu for further information.