A Springfield teenager is in a medically induced coma Sunday night in a Canada hospital after suffering severe injuries. David Shell, 19, was found unconscious Wednesday morning near a beer store loading dock behind a shopping mall in Welland, Ontario. Back home, Shell's co-workers are in shock.

"I really can't believe that somebody would actually do this to such a young kid. He was only 19 years old and had a good future ahead of him," said Victoria Hurt, one of Shell's co-workers at Applebees Restaurant on Boston Road. Hurt was in disbelief when she saw news reports about Shell. She has worked with him for about a year, and in that time says their friendship has grown.

"He's a nice kid. I've had conversations with him. He's gone out of his way to help a lot of people here," Hurt said.

Shell's co-workers said he left last week for a vacation in Niagara Falls. Police in Welland, Ontario said David was found with his lungs collapsed, and suffering from a cracked skull and broken back. Police, however, are not suspecting foul play, saying that David's injuries are not consistent with a beating, and are still trying to figure out how he wound up in such bad shape.

His friends in Springfield are trying to help in any way they can. They are trying to start a fund to support David's family with medical bills.

"We're all kind of in a spot where none of us can go up and visit him and be there for him, so the best thing we can do is try to help out financially," said Samantha Chistolini.

Shell's co-workers said they have been in contact with the family who is with him at the hospital near Niagara Falls. Police said Shell was on the way to meet up with friends when this all happened. Police are still investigating.