Connecticut dad jumped to his death during concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC: report
A Connecticut man jumped to his death at a concert over the weekend at Madison Square Garden in New York, with witnesses telling authorities that he appeared to be "intoxicated," according to a report.
Paul Kueker, 51, a father of two, was celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife at Saturday’s Goose concert when he was captured on video falling head-first from a balcony in the 300s section and landed on other concertgoers below, according to the New York Post.
Kueker appeared to be "intoxicated" and "under the influence" before going over the 4-foot glass barrier shortly before 10 p.m., law-enforcement sources told the outlet, citing witnesses.
The man was unconscious and unresponsive after hitting the ground, police said.
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He was then rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Several people he landed on suffered minor injuries, other sources told the outlet.
Kueker's wife was by their assigned seats three sections away when the incident occurred, 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 Fox News Digital, 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."
"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."
"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.