The family of a concertgoer who tragically d!ed after a f4tal fall has spoken out, as his young child breaks their silence over the “sudden” loss that has left them shattered
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MSG concert goer’s kid breaks silence on ‘sudden’ loss after disturbing details emerge in his fatal head first fall
THE DAUGHTER of a dad who died after plunging head first during a concert at Madison Square Garden has spoken of her heartbreak following his death.
Paul Kueker, 51, died after falling around 150ft from the venue’s Chase Bridge during a Goose concert in New York on Saturday night.
Paul Kueker’s daughter Kloe described the sudden loss as an unimaginable tragedyCredit: Facebook/Patti Hoxsie Finelli
The dad-of-two died after a 150ft fall at a Madison Square Garden concertCredit: Facebook
Now his daughter Kloe has broken their silence, describing the “sudden” loss of the dad-of-two as an “unimaginable tragedy” as disturbing details continue to emerge about his final moments.
In a fundraiser launched to help cover funeral costs, Kloe said: “It is with profound sadness that I share the unexpected passing of my beloved father, Paul Kueker, at the age of 51, following a tragic accident.”
They added: “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.”
The GoFundMe has raised more than $57,000 through almost 1,000 donations.
Paying tribute, the family described Paul as a “loving father, family man, and friend whose presence brought warmth and laughter wherever he went”.
They said he cherished spending time with loved ones, enjoyed cooking for others and loved attending live music events.
Paul was also remembered as a respected Senior Director of Operations at Smartcon who was admired by colleagues for his leadership and work ethic.
Kloe said: “We will forever miss our dad’s love, strength, and the joy he brought into our lives. His memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.”
The emotional tribute comes as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall.
Video reviewed by the New York Post reportedly shows Kueker diving head first from a balcony in the arena’s 300-level section shortly before 10pm.
Law enforcement sources told the newspaper that witnesses claimed he appeared “intoxicated” and “under the influence” before going over a four-foot glass barrier.
Police said Kueker was found “unconscious and unresponsive” after falling from an elevated position inside the famous venue.
The 51-year-old was attending a Goose concert with his wife Kristen (pictured) ahead of their anniversary
Fan photos shared on social media of several rows of seats cleared after the incidentCredit: Fox 5 New York/Chris Kornfeld
He was rushed to Bellevue Hospital but could not be saved.
Several concertgoers below were struck during the fall but suffered only minor injuries, according to reports.
One witness described the horrifying aftermath, saying he heard a huge impact before realising blood was spreading around him.
“He’s head was like a foot to the left of my shoes,” the concertgoer told the New York Post.
“Within a few seconds, I was standing in blood.”
The man said he was struck in the leg during the incident while a friend beside him was also hit by an unidentified object.
“Wild,” the witness said. “That’s why I’m trying to figure out what hit me.
“My friend was one seat further away and got hit by something, so I want to figure out what that was, too.”
The tragedy unfolded as Goose played the second night of a two-show run at the iconic arena.
Kueker had been attending the concert with his wife as the couple prepared to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this week.
His devastated mother, Patricia Finelli, said her son had taken Kristen to the show to mark the milestone.
“He was the greatest kid in the whole wide world,” she told the New York Post through tears.
Kueker worked as director of operations at energy management company Smartcon SolutionsCredit: Facebook/Patti Hoxsie Finelli
Kueker is pictured with his sister, Kricket, in 2020Credit: Facebook/Patti Hoxsie Finelli
“He’d give you the shirt off his back.
“He has two children, a beautiful wife, and he took care of me like I was a piece of gold.”
Finelli said Kristen was unaware of what had happened after her husband left his seat.
“He got up to go to the bathroom, and he didn’t come back,” she said.
“She was getting worried after 10 or 15 minutes. And he didn’t come back.”
According to Finelli, Kristen only learned of the tragedy after being informed by officials.
Madison Square Garden said in a statement: “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.”
Goose said band members did not learn about the death until after leaving the stage.
“We are all reeling following the events that occurred at last night’s show,” the band wrote on Instagram.
“Getting off stage to learn that news was devastating for us and our crew, and we cannot imagine how some of you left the show feeling last night.”
The city’s medical examiner is continuing to investigate the cause of death and is carrying out toxicology testing.
cre: https://www.the-sun.com/news/16567441/daughter-breaks-silence-concert-goer-death-msg-paul-kueker/
