A Connecticut man died after falling from a balcony during a weekend concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, with witnesses telling investigators he appeared to be “intoxicated,” according to a report.
Paul Kueker, 51, a father of two, was attending Saturday’s Goose concert with his wife to mark their 25th wedding anniversary when video showed him falling head-first from a balcony in the 300-level section and landing on concertgoers below, the New York Post reported.
Witnesses said Kueker appeared to be “intoxicated” and “under the influence” before he went over a 4-foot glass barrier shortly before 10 p.m., law enforcement sources told the outlet.
Police said he was unconscious and unresponsive after the fall.
Paul Kueker, 51, was a father of two celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife at Saturday’s Goose concert when he died after falling from a balcony. (GoFundMe)
Kueker was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Several people struck during the fall sustained minor injuries, additional sources told the outlet.
Kueker’s wife was reportedly near their assigned seats, located three sections away, when the incident happened, sources told the New York Post.
She was unaware of what happened to her husband until she was notified by authorities, according to the report. She thought her husband had taken a bathroom break.
New York City’s medical examiner’s office said on Monday that the cause of Kueker’s death remains under investigation. As part of the probe into the incident, the medical examiner said it was conducting a toxicology report.
In a statement to News Agency, Madison Square Garden said, “While we await the police report on the tragedy at last night’s Goose concert, we are deeply saddened by the loss of a fan’s life at Madison Square Garden.”
Paul Kueker was then rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the concertgoer,” the statement added.
The rock band, which consists of Rick Mitarotonda, Trevor Weekz, Peter Anspach and Cotter Ellis, released a statement shortly after the incident, extending their condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.
“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.”
According to a GoFundMe page created by his daughter, Kueker was “a loving father, family man, and friend whose presence brought warmth and laughter wherever he went.”
Paul Kueker was “a loving father, family man, and friend whose presence brought warmth and laughter wherever he went,” his daughter said.
“He loved spending time with his family and cherished every moment he shared with the people he loved. Whether he was cooking a meal for those around him or attending a concert to enjoy live music, he found joy in life’s simple moments and creating memories with others,” the fundraiser reads.
“The sudden loss of our dad has left our family heartbroken. We are struggling to process this unimaginable tragedy while facing the expenses that come with laying him to rest,” it added.
