UMVA has learned that a tragic incident unfolded at a concert in New York over the weekend, leaving a 51-year-old man dead and several others injured. The victim, a father of two, was celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife at the Goose concert at Madison Square Garden.
The man, identified as Paul Kueker, was captured on video falling head-first from a balcony in the 300s section and landed on other concertgoers below. Witnesses told authorities that Kueker appeared to be "intoxicated" and "under the influence" before going over the 4-foot glass barrier shortly before 10 p.m.
Kueker was unconscious and unresponsive after hitting the ground, and was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Several people he landed on suffered minor injuries, while his wife, who was sitting three sections away, was unaware of what happened to her husband until she was notified by authorities.
The wife had thought her husband had taken a bathroom break, and was by their assigned seats when the incident occurred. The medical examiner's office said on Monday that the cause of Kueker's death remains under investigation, and is conducting a toxicology report as part of the probe.
Madison Square Garden released a statement, expressing deep sadness over the loss of a fan's life, saying "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the concertgoer." The rock band Goose also extended their condolences to the victim's family and loved ones, saying they are "deeply saddened and heartbroken" by the tragic event.
A GoFundMe page created by Kueker's daughter described him as "a loving father, family man, and friend whose presence brought warmth and laughter wherever he went." The fundraiser added that the family is struggling to process the tragedy while facing expenses related to laying him to rest.
