The family of Albert Jelks believes that the Macon man was beaten this weekend, causing his coma.
That's because doctors at the Medical Center of Central Georgia say sudden illness could not have caused his extensive head injuries.
Jelks' sister, Adrienne Jelks, says doctors told her there's "no way" his injury could come from falling.
Adrienne Jelks believes her brother was the victim of a random act of violence.
"It's upsetting and unsettling, you never think something like this will happen to you."
Jelks underwent surgery Saturday night to relieve pressure in his brain.
According to a police report, officers were called to the Vineville Market strip mall Saturday morning on a report of a person down with a gunshot wound to the head.
Police found Jelks lying on the sidewalk in front of the Sleep Shop, breathing but unresponsive.
Emergency responders advised that the Jelks' injuries were from blunt force trauma, because there wasn't an entry- or exit-wound from a gunshot.
The front door of the Sleep Shop was unlocked, but police say there were no signs of a robbery or burglary.
Police said Jelks wasn't carrying identification, but they later found his wallet on a desk next to a laptop in the Sleep Shop.
Mark Swan, owner of the Sleep Shop, says Jelks worked in his store off-and-on for several years. He says Jelks likes to collect memorabilia including baseball cards and was a history buff.
He says he gave Jelks permission to use the store computers to buy and sell memorabilia online, and suspects that's why he was there Friday and Saturday.
He says it's hard to understand why anyone would hurt Jelks.
"Don't know anybody that was an enemy of him." says Swan. "He didn't meet anyone that was a stranger."
Adrienne Jelks says her brother's condition isn't good. She said "his life will never be the same again."
The police report said nothing was known about a suspect. Officers said there was no sign that the assault was gang-related.
The case has been turned over to detectives and Adrienne Jelks says her family "sincerely hopes these people will be found."
Anyone with information on the case can call Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME.