CHAMPAIGN – Frederick "Freddie" McNeal spent his 44th birthday Sunday clinging to life in an Urbana hospital.

His mother and cousin reported Tuesday that he remained in a coma at Carle Foundation Hospital, having undergone surgery on Saturday.

McNeal was listed in critical condition.

Champaign police are looking for help from the public in finding out what happened to McNeal, who was apparently beaten late Friday.

He was found near the Mac's convenience store and gas station at 601 N. Neil St., C.

Police were called there shortly after 11 p.m. Friday, police spokeswoman Joan Walls said.

Walls indicated that it is unknown how McNeal was injured.

If anyone has any information, they are urged to call the Champaign Police Department, 351-4545, or call anonymously to Crimestoppers at 373-TIPS (373-8477).

McNeal's cousin, Waymond Jackson Jr., told The News-Gazette that McNeal is on life support after having been operated on for a brain injury.

"All the family knows is that he was found after he had gotten beaten up," Jackson said. "Somebody must have seen something."

Essie McNeal said Freddie is the youngest of her 10 children. He lists his mother's home on North Champaign Street as his address.

His mother said he is currently unemployed.

McNeal was known to frequent the Mac's store but his mother had no idea who would want to hurt her son.

You can reach Mary Schenk at (217) 351-5313 or via e-mail at mschenk@news-gazette.com.