A Connecticut man died after falling from an upper-level balcony during a concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City over the weekend, authorities said.
Paul Kueker, 51, was attending a Goose concert Saturday night when he fell from the venue’s 300-level seating section shortly before 10 p.m. According to reports citing law enforcement sources and witnesses, Mr. Kueker went over a four-foot glass barrier and landed on concertgoers below.
Emergency responders rushed Mr. Kueker to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Several people who were struck during the fall suffered minor injuries.
Witnesses told authorities that Mr. Kueker appeared to be intoxicated before the incident. Officials have not yet determined the cause of his death.
Mr. Kueker, a father of two from Connecticut, was attending the concert with his wife as the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Reports said his wife was seated several sections away and was unaware of the incident until she was notified by authorities.
The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office said Monday that the cause of death remains under investigation. Officials are conducting a toxicology report as part of the ongoing probe.
In a statement, Madison Square Garden said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of a fan’s life” and offered condolences to Mr. Kueker’s family and friends.
The band Goose also released a statement following the incident.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the tragic event that occurred at tonight’s show,” the band said. “We extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected. Thank you to the emergency personnel and venue staff who stepped in with care and support.”
A GoFundMe page created by Mr. Kueker’s daughter described him as “a loving father, family man, and friend whose presence brought warmth and laughter wherever he went.”
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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