Man Dies at Chicago Open Air Festival

Man Dies at Chicago Open Air Festival

There was a tragic start to the inaugural Chicago Open Air Festival when a 29-year-old man died after falling from the mezzanine level of the stadium. Witnesses reported the man, identified as Robert Smucz of Chicago, was sitting on a railing when he suddenly fell 2 stories to the concrete below.  Smucz attended the festival with two friends and his death occurred on Friday, July 15, the opening night.  Smucz’s death occurred at approximately 10 pm which would put it between the sets of Chevelle and Friday’s headliner Rammstein.  He was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition where he died less than one hour later. The Cook County Medical Examiner reports Smucz’s death stemmed from multiple injuries as a result of the fall and it has been ruled an accident.  Smucz is survived by his mother, sister, and girlfriend Alicia Morales. Condolences continue to pour into Morales’ Facebook page where she wrote “I’m going to miss him so much. A part of me has been taken away and I will never be the same. We lived together and had planned to spend the rest of our lives together. The love we had for each other was unique and beautiful and so strong. I don’t know how I will get through this.  He spent his last day doing what he liked the most- hanging out with his best friend, my brother, and his girlfriend. He was so happy! I love you so much, Rob! Always will.”

The Chicago Open Air Festival took place over three days last weekend at Toyota Park Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Advertised as a Music, Craft Beer, and Gourmet Man Food event, the festival line-up featured such musical heavyweights as Slipknot, Disturbed, Marilyn Manson, Killswitch Engage, Butcher Babies and Korn.