US3 min(s) read
Published 14:17 22 Jun 2026 GMT
Jam band Goose officially released a statement in tribute to the late father who lost his life at their show on Saturday (June 20) at Madison Square Garden.
Paul Kueker was attending the show with his wife to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, before he fell from an elevated section inside the arena shortly before 10PM.
The father-of-two tragically plunged 150 feet (46m) to his death, in what was described as a "bloodbath" by a witness at the Goose concert.
The Connecticut dad's fatal fall took place while the event was ongoing, with police finding him “unconscious and unresponsive” after he fell from an “elevated position” in the New York arena.
But now, the band that performed has paid tribute to the fan, who was just 51 when he fell to his death, while his wife thought he was in the bathroom.
The band was performing the second of their two-night stint at MSG when Kueker passed away, and they took to Instagram one day later to pay their respects.
Shortly before playing their sold-out gig in Central Park’s SummerStage, they penned: “We are all reeling following the events that occurred at last night’s show,
“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.”
It was reported that MSG staff taped off and cleared at least seven rows in the area's lower bowl, where the fall took place, according to photos from concertgoers.
The band also said in their post that they wanted "all our fans and friends aware of some resources available to them," listing helplines that could be of use to those shaken up by the incident.
They also revealed that they are "working with Western Sun Foundation" to collect a fund that will "provide support and resources to our fans."
While they went ahead with their show, the band admitted: "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.
"So let's be kind to each other tonight and remember our friend."
They also said that the show would be streamed, with all proceeds going to Western Sun Foundation's fan support fund.
This statement came after the initial post on their Instagram story, which read: “We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the tragic event that occurred at tonight’s show,
“We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected. Thank you to the emergency personnel and venue staff who stepped in with care and support.”
Kueker's mom, Patricia Finelli, spoke to the New York Daily News about her son's death, explaining: “He had taken his wife to the Goose concert because their 25th anniversary is on Tuesday.”
She also emotionally explained: “He was the greatest kid in the whole wide world,” through tears.
“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.”
The NYPD said officers had responded to a 911 call before finding the man, who was unconscious and unresponsive, with injuries consistent with a fall from height.
After being transported to the hospital, he was pronounced dead.
Police do not suspect foul play, though the investigation is ongoing.
