The Sacramento Kings have confirmed reports that a fan died while in attendance at the team's loss to the Pelicans in the Quarterfinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament on Monday.
The fan, whose identity has not been disclosed, was a man in his 30s who experienced a medical emergency during the game's first quarter. Details of the medical emergency have not been shared, though first responders have shared an account of how things transpired.
According to Sacramento's FOX40 News, arena staff at the Golden 1 Center were notified that someone was unresponsive. Emergency personnel responded to the scene and attempted CPR for 20 minutes before the man was pronounced dead.
“Golden 1 Center staff was notified that someone was unresponsive,” the Sacramento Fire Department explained. “When the engine got there they found a 30’s aged male.”
In response to the fan's tragic death, the Kings organization issued the following statement:
During the first quarter of the Kings vs. Pelicans game, a guest had a medical emergency. EMS immediately responded and administered CPR. Tragically, these efforts were unsuccessful and the guest passed away. The organization offers its deepest condolences to the guest's family and loved ones.
The man was reportedly at the game with a family member for whom a chaplain was called. The game, however, was not interrupted due to the emergency and, according to reports, the teams were unaware of the situation as the game was going on.
"As a team, we give our condolences," Kings forward Keegan Murray said postgame, according to ESPN. "Hopefully, the family is being taken care of."
After losing to the Pelicans on Monday, the Kings will not play at the Golden 1 Center again until Monday, Dec. 11, when they host the Nets.
