Stagehand dies after falling from scaffolding inside Broadway theatre
Man was taking down props from Beetlejuice in preparation for The Music Man in 2021
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A stagehand has died after falling from the scaffolding inside of a Broadway theatre.
At around 9:40am on Thursday, a 54-year-old man fell 50 feet from scaffolding at the Winter Garden Theatre on 7th Avenue in New York City, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The police have not yet released the identity of the man, but confirmed that he was taking down props from Beetlejuice, in preparation for the Hugh Jackman starring The Music Man in 2021.
A 38-year-old theatre porter named Mike, told the New York Post that he was in the building when the incident occurred.
“I was cleaning up under the stage when I heard a loud noise. It was right above me. It sounded like a bomb. It scared me. I ran up the steps to what it was,” he said.
He continued: “I said, ‘Oh my God!’ My heart started pounding. He was on his back. He had one shoe on.
“He wasn’t wearing a helmet. I don’t know if it came off when he fell. Stagehands always wear helmets.”
Mike added: “The back of his head was cracked open. There was a lot of blood on the stage.”
The 54-year-old was taken to the St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Centre, but died shortly after, according to the authorities.
All Broadway theatres were closed in March after New York City became the epicentre for Covid-19 in the US, and their doors will remain shut until at least May 2021.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments