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bang n jane drummer brain dead after bar assault

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Jim Unfonak, longtime drummer of bang n jane, (bang n jane Facebook page photo)

ROCHESTER - The Lebanon Voice has learned that a man assaulted outside a Rochester bar Sunday morning, the longtime drummer for popular Seacoast band bang n jane, is brain dead and being kept on life support while doctors decide whether his organs can be donated as was his wish.

Friends of James Unfonak, 44, of Rochester, and followers of the band were already mourning his loss Monday afternoon, even as family and friends at Maine Medical Center in Portland were notified it was unlikely he would survive.

Rochester Police first responded to Gary's Sports Bar on Milton Road at 1:33 a.m. for a report of a man assaulted who needed medical attention.

Sources with knowledge of the incident told The Lebanon Voice Unfonak, whose band wasn't playing Saturday night, got into a confrontation inside the tavern with a person or group of persons who were later thrown out.

Evidently one or some of the group waited outside "in the woods" and jumped Unfonak as he was leaving.

A post Monday on the bang n jane Facebook Page notified fans of the tragedy and paid homage to the band's drummer.

"It is with our deep sadness, we have to announce, February 1st at 238 p.m. Jim Unfonak was pronounced dead at Maine Medical Center, his organs will be donated as anyone who knew Jim knows he would have wanted. Jimmy u was truly the nicest kindest person you could ever meet, willing to lend a helping hand at a moments notice. Many many great shows together over the last 22 years."

The post went on to eulogize the band's drummer and his importance to the hugely popular band, which over the last 20 years has played numerous benefits for local causes and at most local nightclubs.

"There will be no more shows, bang n jane has lost its drive and one of its founding members, jimmy was bang n jane. He was truly a brother and friend, fly high jimmy u. We love and miss you..truly the saddest day, heaven just got the best drummer anywhere...love you jimmy," the post said.

Meanwhile, Rochester Police remained processing evidence at the popular nightspot for some time early Sunday morning, according to Rochester Police Capt. Gary Boudreau, who said late Monday there had been no arrests but an active investigation was ongoing.

"We've interviewed multiple people, some at the club, some not," Boudreau said.

Sources told The Lebanon Voice police remained at the scene till after 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or know anything about it to please contact Detective Joe Rousseau at 330-7143 or call Rochester Crimeline at 335-6500.

All calls to the Rochester Crimeline will remain confidential and rewards are given for information, which leads to arrests. Tipsters can also text the Rochester Crimeline at Crimes (274637) and write TEXT4CASH, followed by your tip.

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