Morbid Angel subject assertion after storm collapses roof at Illinois present, killing one and injuring 40

Florida metallic band Morbid Angel have shared an official assertion responding to the tragedy that occurred at their present in Belvidere, Illinois this week, when a storm induced the roof on the Apollo Theatre to break down, killing one concertgoer and injuring 40 others. 

As reported by The Washington Post, the incident occurred simply after 7:45pm on Friday (March 31) – roughly 45 minutes after the live performance began – with some 260 folks inside when the venue’s roof caved in; Brazilian loss of life metallic outfit Crypta had simply completed their efficiency. The venue itself holds a complete of 1,500 concertgoers, with the present on Friday being offered out.

The man killed within the incident has been recognized as Fred Livingston Jr, and was described by Dan Zaccard – Boone County’s emergency administration director – as a 50-year-old man. In a information convention given yesterday (April 1), Zaccard stated: “He was under the debris. He was already gone.”

Belvidere fireplace chief Shawn Schadle famous that round 40 different attendees have been handled for accidents, with two having suffered life-threatening accidents. A search-and-rescue effort was launched promptly by town’s fireplace division, with Alicia Tate-Nadeau (director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency) saying that “if it wasn’t for their quick actions, and the fact that they were planning for this storm and were prepared, things could’ve looked a lot different”.

In a brand new assertion shared on social media, Morbid Angel shared their “deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the individual who tragically lost their life” on Friday night time. They wrote that the Apollo’s roof collapsed “due to heavy winds from a tornado” – whereas twister warning sirens have been certainly set off previous to the incident, it’s unconfirmed if an precise twister hit the venue itself.

“We lost a brother in Metal last night,” the band’s assertion continued, “and plenty of have been damage and injured on this tragedy. We wish to categorical how actually grateful we’re for these in attendance (followers, venue workers, bands and crew) that assisted with getting folks out and to security. We wish to thank the primary responders (fireplace, EMT, police) that have been on the scene rapidly and have been capable of assist in getting folks out of the venue and to hospitals for therapy as rapidly as attainable. YOU ARE TRUE HEROES!

“At this time our minds continue to remain with all those who were injured and hospitalized, as well as everyone who was effected by the storms in the surrounding area. We truly hope for a fast recovery of all who were injured. As a result of the events of last night, we are working to re-scheduling tonight’s show in Joliet, [Illinois] to Wednesday April 5. With that said, our focus remains with the victims of this terrible storm.”

Shortly after the publish was made, Livingston’s niece Brittany shared a observe of condolences for her deceased uncle, which the band reposted. “Our family is beyond devastated,” she wrote alongside a hyperlink to a GoFundMe marketing campaign. “We can’t help comprehend how this could happen to us. Please share and donate if you can.”