Teen Dies After Indiana Brawl

James Kieffer Mallacek accused of delivering fatal blow

A Chicago-area teenager, who had been on life support following an alleged brawl on an Indiana beach, has died.

Kevin Kennelly, 17, of the 9900 Block of South Damen, was pronounced dead at 10:48 a.m. at the St. Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point by the Lake County, Ind., Coroner.

No cause of death was listed, and an autopsy has been scheduled.

James Mallacek, the 19-year-old Chicago man accused of delivering the fatal blow, was charged with felony aggravated battery, involuntary manslaughter and battery Wednesday morning in Michigan City and a warrant was issued for his arrest. .

During the hearing, Long Beach Police Chief Robert Sulkowski said Malecek hit Kennelly in the head during the fight. 

The Long Beach Police Department issued a statement following the coroner's death release.

On July 4, 2011 at 11:50 PM the Long Beach Police Department responded to a call at the beach at stop 26 in reference to an unconscious male due to a battery.  Officers arrived at 11:51PM and observed a male subject lying on the ground with several subjects standing around him.  The victim was unconscious.  LaPorte County EMS arrived and treated the victim.   The victim was transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Michigan City, IN.

At 3:51 AM the Long Beach Police received a call from St. Anthony Hospital in Michigan City that his injuries were quite severe and that they were flying him out to St. Anthony Hospital in Crown Point.

The victim was pronounced dead at 10:48 AM July 6, 2011. 

Friends and classmates of Kennelly's, who on Tuesday evening attended a service to pray for the teen, said he was a well-mannered student who's parents taught him non-violence. They said he was likely trying to break up the melee when he was hit.

The fatal incident occurred at a section of beach known as "Stop 26," a location notorious for underage drinking, especially on Independence Day.

According to a Mt. Carmel High School posting, Kennelly will be buried during a weekend service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Mount Carmel High School.

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