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The family of Malachi Darcey thanked relatives and friends for their love, support and prayers for the 30-year-old who died Monday morning of head injuries sustained in a bar brawl Sunday.
Nearly a dozen family members were in attendance at a news conference held at McKay-Dee Hospital Monday, though hospital spokesman Chris Dallin read a prepared family statement.
"We have been touched by the love, the concerns and the prayers of Malachi's family and friends who have prayed for him and have shown an amazing amount of support during this difficult time," the statement reads. "We appreciate the candlelight vigil held in Malachi's honor and will not forget your kindness."
Police have arrested eight people in connection with the fight, though no charges have been filed, said Weber County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Terry Thompson. The eight are either suspects or witnesses, he said. Two groups were involved in the melee, but few details are available.
Officers know the fight took place outside the Outlaw Saloon, 1254 W. 2100 South, in West Haven just after 1:30 a.m., but they are looking for witnesses who saw, but were not involved in, what happened.
"We are asking for anyone with any information to call us," Thompson said. "We are looking for folks who were not part of either group and can provide an objective viewpoint."
Several people suffered minor injuries in the fight, but Darcey was bleeding from the ears from head wounds after the weapons-free fight, Thompson said. Sarah Whitaker, a friend of Darcey's, was at the bar and the press conference and was also assaulted during the fight, Thompson said.
It is unclear still how many people of the 100 in the bar that night were involved in the fracas, but more than one person could be charged with Darcey's death, he said.
Anyone with more information can call 801-778-6631 or 801-629-8221.
A fund to pay for Darcey's hospital and funeral expenses, as well as to benefit his two young daughters, has been set up at Golden West Credit Union in his name or account number 291536. Donations are also being accepted at any major credit union across the state.