Features
Fatal Fall At Brit Floyd
A man died after a 25-foot fall at a March 26 Brit Floyd concert in Springfield, Ill.
John Kremitzki was pronounced dead the next day at a hospital after diyng from “blunt force” injuries related to the fall, the coroner’s office told the State Journal-Register.
Mike Oberg / Pollstar – Brit Floyd
William Saroyan Theatre, Fresno, Calif.
Brit Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute act, was playing at the University of Springfield’s Sangamon Auditorium. During intermission, Kremitzki, who was in the pit area in front of the stage, fell to his knees, according to a university spokesman, Derek Schnapp. According to a witness, Kremitzki tried to stand up then stumbled forward and “rolled through an opening in the front of the stage,” Schnapp told the paper.
A male audience member went through the opening after him.
“The two dropped approximately five feet onto a ledge area beneath the stage,” Schnapp said. “A third audience member followed them onto the ledge area to assist.”
Kremitzki, who “appeared to be in distress,” rolled off the ledge and he and the audience member fell about 20 feet “into a deeper space beneath the stage,” Schnapp told the paper. The third audience member remained on the ledge and called for help, according to the spokesman.
The seating area in front of the stage was cleared out and the show was delayed several minutes. Kremitzki and the audience member were sent to the hospital via ambulance. Schnapp would not reveal the medical condition of the second party, according to the Journal-Register.
“I think it was a pure accident” and foul play wasn’t suspected, Coroner Cinda Edewards said.
“The entire Sangamon Auditorium family was saddened by the tragic accident on Sunday night,” Sangamon Auditorium Director Bob Vaughn said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Kremitzki. … Our staff is cooperating fully with medical and law enforcement professionals to determine what happened and to ensure a positive experience for all of our guests.”