A Connecticut man who plunged to his death during a rock show at Madison Square Garden in New York City “appeared intoxicated,” according to a new report.
Paul Kueker, 51, was found unconscious after falling from “an elevated position” while attending a Goose concert shortly before 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, multiple news outlets reported, citing the New York Police Department.
Kueker was taken to a local hospital, where he later died, according to authorities.
Witnesses claimed the father of two “appeared intoxicated” before he fell, law enforcement sources told the New York Post. Kueker’s cause of death remains unclear.
The fundraising site, GoFundMe, shared a link to support Kueker’s family on Facebook on Monday.
The Facebook post said Kueker was “with his wife on Saturday night, doing what he loved — seeing Goose perform live” when “he fell from the arena’s 300 level.”
Kueker’s mother, Patti Finelli, told the Daily News Sunday that he had taken his wife, Kristen, to the concert for their 25th anniversary. Finelli said Kueker was headed to the bathroom when he fell, and Kristen did not see it happen.
Kueker’s daughter, Kloe Kueker, described the Connecticut man as “a loving father, family man, and friend whose presence brought warmth and laughter wherever he went” on GoFundMe.
“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 daughter wrote.
Kloe said the fundraiser will help cover funeral and memorial costs and “relieve some of the financial burden during this difficult time.”
Goose wrote on Instagram that it was “heartbroken to learn of the tragic event that occurred at tonight’s show.”
“We extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected,” the band said. “Thank you to the emergency personnel and venue staff who stepped in with care and support.”
Goose said in a follow-up post that it was working with the Western Sun Foundation to “ establish a fund to provide support and resources to our fans” following Kueker’s death.
The band also said its show in Central Park on Sunday would go on.
“We considered whether or not we were going to play and came to the decision that the best thing we can do right now is bring our community together, lean on one another, and offer a space for healing,” the post read.
MSG said in a statement shared with the media that the indoor venue was “deeply saddened by the loss of a fan’s life.”
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the concertgoer,” the statement read.
