WAILUKU » Jesse Jarvie celebrated the holidays with family members in south Maui on Dec. 23, then left to attend a party at the state park at Polipoli.

At 3:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve, the 18-year-old was found unconscious at the bottom of a 60-foot cliff and rushed to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he remains in the intensive care unit.

His father, Dennis Jarvie, said that based on the injuries, including a jaw broken in four places and a fractured skull, he believes his son was assaulted while at a party attended by some 50 people.

According to a neurosurgeon, Jarvie said, Jesse's injuries showed signs of a deliberate attack. “;We're waiting for an eyewitness to come forward,”; Jarvie said. “;It was definitely an assault. ... These kids can't get away with this thing.”;

Maui Police Lt. John Jakubczak said the incident is classified as a miscellaneous accident but detectives are still investigating the severe injuries as a possible assault.

Jakubczak said he won't know what happened until detectives talk with Jesse or a witness comes forward with more information.

Jakubczak said Jesse Jarvie was conscious but under sedation for extreme pain and hasn't been able to speak to detectives.

Dennis Jarvie said Jesse, missing half his teeth, is healing and may be able to speak in a week, but for now, he is still at a critical point in his recovery.

“;We're just praying to God he comes out of it,”; Jarvie said.

Jarvie described his son as a “;good kid”; who had earned his high school GED and was working with him at his family construction company.

Jarvie said his son Eric, who was also at the party, had heard about someone being involved in a fight and was unable to find Jesse. Jarvie said Eric called 911 and a search-and-rescue team found Jesse.

Jarvie said he doesn't know why his sons went to the party, in a remote area of Polipoli with a deejay playing music. “;He was at the wrong place at the wrong time,”; Jarvie said. “;I just pray for his complete recovery.”;

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Maui police's criminal investigation division at 244-6425.