HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- An events worker died after an accident last week at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, according to a statement from SMG Huntington.
He is identified as 59-year-old Tom McCormick.
McCormick's family says they were told he fell about 5 feet off a stage and hit his head on the concrete floor while he was helping set up for the Kidz Bop concert Thursday, Nov. 2. He died from the injury Saturday.
"He worked these shows all the time," McCormick's daughter, Melissa Booton, said. "This was nothing new. For him to fall off the stage is very odd. It wasn't a malfunction. It wasn't anybody's fault. It's just an accident."
The daughter says McCormick had been doing production work on local plays and performances more than 20 years. He also worked on two movies, including "We Are Marshall."
"Hug your family," Booton said. "Give them lots of love. You never know when you won't see them again. I didn't expect my dad to pass away working a show."
McCormick was a retired nurses assistant at the VA Medical Center. Booton says her father did production work on the side for fun.
"He loved working those shows," Booton said. "Going through some of his stuff, I realized he kept everything from almost every show he ever worked."
SMG Huntington released the following statement:
“This past Thursday night, a beloved and respected member of the International Association of Stage & Theatrical Employees (IATSE) and a long-term SMG employee, Tom McCormick, was involved in a tragic accident at the Arena. On Saturday night all of us at SMG were shocked and saddened to learn that Tom had passed away. Our hearts are broken, and words alone cannot express our sorrow at hearing this news. Speaking for the entire SMG-family, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Tom’s family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
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HUNTINGTON, WV — A stage employee at Big Sandy Superstore Arena died Saturday after sustaining injuries in an accident last Thursday evening.
Tom McCormick was a member of the International Association of Stage & Theatrical Employees and a long-time SMG employee.
"Our hearts are broken, and words alone cannot express our sorrow at hearing this news," spokeswoman Veronica Hordubay said in a statement. "Speaking for the entire SMG family, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Tom’s family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Though the timeline of the accident was unclear, the arena hosted the Kidz Bop Kids for a concert on Nov. 2.