Family and friends of Colorado Springs barber Sean Sonberg describe him as both one of the funniest and most caring individuals they have ever met as he recovers from a life-threatening brain bleed in the intensive care unit.

Owner of Elk Lodge Barber Shop, Sonberg, 32, was at the gym with his girlfriend when he suddenly experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage that led him to spend nearly a week and counting in the ICU.

Sonberg, originally from Buffalo, New York, was drawn to Colorado Springs nearly four years ago through his love for the mountains and the great outdoors.

“(He) loves to camp,” Sonberg’s father, Robert Sonberg said. “Sean would go out there on solo camp trips and just go pitch a tent in the middle of the mountains somewhere.”

Sonberg’s business is his pride and joy, and he got his start snipping locks in an unconventional way: setting up near homeless encampments and offering to give haircuts for free. Alongside the free trimmings and shaves, in the colder months, Sonberg would also pass out hand warmers.

“We were blown away when we were hearing about this in Buffalo,” Robert said. “That’s how he basically got started, and since then, he has established Elk Lodge in the heart of the Colorado Springs business district.”

Despite being booked out for months, his business, located on north Tejon Street, is on hold due to his health. Sonberg’s family has launched a GoFundMe to help aid with medical costs and day-to-day expenses.

“His warm smile and skilled hands have touched countless lives in our town,” the page reads. “Now, as he faces a long road to recovery, we have the opportunity to give back to someone who has given so much to us.”

Robert describes his youngest son as having “the biggest heart ever” as he laughed recalling some of his favorite memories.

“He’s probably one of the funniest guys I know. He really is,” Robert said with a slight chuckle. “His laugh makes me laugh, and my laugh makes him laugh.”

One standout memory came only a few months ago when Sonberg’s family came out to visit.

“I forgot what area we were in, but he stopped and handed this family, it was a mother, a father, and a kid outside homeless, a $20 bill,” Robert said. “He goes, ‘I could just tell who really is hurting and who’s not,’ he’s always looking out.”

Alongside being a full-time barber, Sonberg is also the youngest of four brothers who comes from a long lineage of military involvement. Sonberg served four years in the United States Marine Corps.

Sonberg’s family has come pouring in all the way from New York to be with him. They emphasized their appreciation for the medical team tending to him at UCHealth Memorial Hospital.

“We’re super comfortable,” Robert said. “I mean, coming into a new area and into this hospital, not knowing anything about the neurological team, their neurologist and the whole team are just amazing.”

Robert says while Sonberg is not out of the woods yet, things are looking up. While awake, Sonberg is constantly asking about his business and his clients with an eagerness to get back to serving his community.

“Sean’s road to recovery looks promising as he looks forward to the day he can return to his daily routine,” Robert said. “We also want to thank the outpouring of love and well wishes we have received from the community, it’s truly heartwarming.”