Derek Crumpton, Owner of Derek's Dogs & Deli, in Medically Induced Coma Following Illness

Derek Crumpton, who owned Derek's Dogs & Deli in Lincoln Park and who was brought to Chicago with chef David Carrier to help open Kith & Kin, is in a medically induced coma, brought on by walking pneumonia, we just learned.

Crumpton, 28, was initially put on a ventilator at Stroger Hospital of Cook County about four days ago and placed into the coma to try to help ward off the infection. Unfortunately, he had to be put on full life support after his situation worsened.

Crumpton, originally from Apalachicola, Fla., recently closed Derek's Dogs & Deli and told friends he had planned to move back home. Our thoughts and prayers are with Crumpton and his friends and family during this very tenuous time. We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

Derek Crumpton [Photo: Facebook]

UPDATE: We got word that Crumpton seems to be improving today. His numbers are better and doctors are more optimistic than they were over the weekend. He's still sedated and is looking better, but he's not yet out of the woods so keep sending him your positive energy. Let's help him pull through this!