The family of a 22-year-old East Bay man says he was fatally stabbed in downtown San Jose early Sunday while trying to protect a friend who was being attacked.

"Upon arrival, they located an adult male victim suffering from at least one stab wound," police said in a statement. "Officers immediately began life saving measures and summoned paramedics to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased."