To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders
Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications
A man has died at the opening night of The Weeknd’s tour in Philadelphia.
Police have confirmed that 35-year-old Hugo Sanchez Marquez fell from an escalator just after the concert on Thursday, 14 July, at Lincoln Financial Field finished, sustaining major head trauma.
He was rushed to Thomas Jefferson Hospital straight away but died as a result of his injuries just after midnight.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, but it is thought to have been a tragic accident.
Marquez is believed to have been sitting on the rail of the escalator at the time.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, ‘no foul play is suspected’.
A friend of the victim, Jammal Ransom, told local TV: "Hugo was an awesome person. He'd love to travel. He was a good friend."
An obituary for Hugo described him as ‘a positive person who enjoyed traveling, hiking, concerts, beaches and spending time with family and friends,’
The article added: "Hugo had a contagious smile and the biggest heart. Hugo leaves behind a legacy of love for his family and life."
Marquez was employed as a paralegal at the Rothenberg Law Firm in the city of Philadelphia and had studied at Messiah College and Temple University, according to his LinkedIn profile.
In a memo to employees after the incident, Lincoln Financial Field said: “We understand that a serious accident occurred at the concert last night and that many of you may be experiencing a range of emotions.
“We value our employees and are committed to providing support.
“As a reminder, there are resources available to assist during difficult times.”
A spokesperson for the venue also said that they believe that the incident took place after the concert had finished.
So far, The Weeknd – real name Abel Tesfaye – has not addressed the incident at his opening night, but his tour has continued on around the East Coast over recent days, with a show in New Jersey on Saturday before moving up to Boston tonight, 21 July.
After the concert, he posted on Instagram: “Philadelphia … we finally did it. thank you for helping me ring in the tour.”
The 'After Hours til Dawn' tour is in support of The Weeknd’s 2020 album After Hours and 2022 follow-up Dawn FM.
It was put back on two occasions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bob Lange, the senior vice president of the Philadelphia Eagles, who operate Lincoln Financial Field, also said he believed the concert had finished at the time of the incident, and that people were leaving the venue.
