The death of Paul Kueker, 51, who fell from a balcony at Madison Square Garden during a concert in June, has been officially ruled an accident, officials announced Monday. The city medical examiner’s office determined Kueker, of Niantic, Connecticut, died from “multiple blunt impact injuries” after falling from a balcony in the 300s section of the arena. The incident occurred on June 20, during a Goose the Band concert, while Kueker was reportedly celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife.
Law enforcement sources indicated that Kueker appeared intoxicated and under the influence prior to his fall. Witnesses described Kueker tumbling head-first over the 4-foot-high glass barrier shortly before 10 p.m. One witness reported hearing a loud bang followed by screams for help seconds after the fall. The fall happened during an intermission when a portion of the audience was seated.
Kueker was the director of operations for Smartcon Solutions. William Brown, the company's general manager, issued a statement describing Kueker as an "extraordinary person and a valued member of our team" whose loss is deeply felt. The band Goose has begun selling "Big Love" t-shirts online, with all proceeds directed to a GoFundMe fundraiser established by Kueker's family.
Several other individuals sustained minor injuries when Kueker fell. The incident took place at the iconic arena in New York City.