Glen Ellyn college student remains in coma after return from Rome

GLEN ELLYN – A Glen Ellyn college student who was seriously injured Jan. 14 in Rome remains in a coma after returning home Friday.

Andrew Mogni, a 20-year-old University of Iowa student, had been in Rome only six hours before being assaulted and robbed while walking back to John Cabot University, where he was staying as part of a study abroad program. Mogni fell 40 feet from a wall along the banks of the Tiber River during the early morning hours Jan. 14, according to family friend Paula Barnett.

Mogni was alone at the time of the assault and personal items were stolen, though no arrests have been made, Barnett said.

Mogni is in a non-medically induced coma, having suffered serious infection and internal bleeding, Barnett said. He was treated in Rome for about two months before transferring to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago last week. Barnett said there are no indications as to whether he will suffer long-term brain damage.

Community members have been rallying behind Mogni, a St. Petronille Catholic School graduate, in hopes of a fast and full recovery.

“It could have been any of our kids” said Paula Barnett, St.Petronille communications coordinator and family friend. “We were devastated to hear this news about a wonderful young man and we pray daily for full health to be restored.”

Friends of the family opened a US Bank account called the “Andrew Mogni Family Fund” to raise money for medical expenses. The fund has raised about $60,000 so far, according to Barnett.

A Facebook initiative was also started to support Mogni and his family, calling for community members to pray for Mogni’s recovery every day at 10 a.m.

Close family friend Ann Deegan said the response illustrates what a tremendous support system the community has been for Mogni and how their help has given the family hope in this trying time.

“I just think given the response of people in their prayer and in their donation and actions that they have shown what a wonderful community Glen Ellyn is,” Deegan said. “They come out to help when someone is in need.”