Richard Valadez, 62-years-old, has died after attending a recent Slipknot show in Tinley Park, IL.
Spin reports that the official cause of death is not yet known, but witnesses have stated that Valadez was thrown from a mosh pit.
According to the outlet, one witness, Brittany Ruel-Curtis, said that Valdez:
“Seemed fine throughout the concert, though, enjoying the music and drinks and talking to the people who sat in front of me.”
Fellow gig-goer named Anthony Mackey said:
“Basically everyone was jumping around in the mosh pit having a good time and just being friendly roughhousing dorks, as usual for metal concerts,” .
Mackey went on to say that about roughly an hour into the set during the track “Sulphur.” The fan also said that Valadez was hurled out of the mosh pit and onto the grass that was nearby: “He seized as people were trying to help him up, so we start calling for help.”
Other witnesses stated that there was general confusion at the scene. As a result, there was delayed response from medical personnel. A statement from Park Fire Chief Forest Reeder read:
“The Fire Department was not present for this incident at the amphitheatre as the emergency medical services are provided by a private contractor for any on-site emergencies.”
