Man Beaten Outside NW OKC Bar Speaks Out About Life Changing Event

An Oklahoma man left permanently disabled from a brutal attack spoke out for the first time on how the beating changed his life forever. Greg Simon, 43, was maimed and robbed outside the Friends of Friends Bar in northwest Oklahoma City last year.

Doctors told Simon his recovery was touch and go. He said there were times doctors did not think he would survive, or have any quality of life if he did.

“I’m thankful to God I’m here,” said Simon.

Simon spent three weeks in a coma and months in a rehabilitation hospital re-learning basic functions. He is now blind in one eye, has limited hearing and his face was reconstructed with screws and titanium plates. 

“I can’t put to you in words how devastating this was to me,” said Simon. 

Simon nearly lost his life last October in the parking lot of the Friends of Friends Bar near Portland Avenue and Memorial Avenue. Keironte Compton and his younger brother Corey Cooper were accused of stomping Simon's head more than a dozen times for the victim’s wallet and cell phone. 

“To the lady who came outside and ran those people off,” said Simon. “I’m forever grateful and I want her to know she saved my life.”

Simon is also thankful the suspects were arrested and wants them to know how their actions impacted his life.

“It changed the course of my life and I’m not able to work,” said Simon.

Simon said his fight to recover was not over.  

“I’ve had enough days of tears and feeling low,” said Simon. “So, I would like to hopefully turn that around.”

Simon has hired an attorney to file a civil lawsuit. The attorney told News 9 the lawsuit was in the beginning stages.

The two arrested suspects each face charges of maiming, robbery, and assault with intent to kill.