Tragedy Strikes NASCAR Chicago Street Race Site as Contractor Dies from Medical Emergency
Chicago, IL – A 53-year-old contractor tragically lost his life after suffering a medical emergency while working in a locked area charged with electricity at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race site on Friday morning. The incident took place at approximately 11:30 a.m. in the 500 block of South Columbus Drive, according to local authorities.
The victim, identified as Duane Earl Tabinski from Hermitage, Tennessee, was promptly transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, as confirmed by the Cook County medical examiner’s office and Chicago police.
NASCAR expressed their condolences in a statement, acknowledging the incident: “On Friday afternoon, a contractor suffered a fatal medical emergency. We are coordinating with local authorities on this tragic incident. We share our condolences to the family and their loved ones.”
According to a police report, a witness who was carrying wood to aid in the setup of the event heard Tabinski groaning. Concerned for his well-being, the witness approached Tabinski and discovered him slumped over. Before the witness could render assistance, another worker cautioned against it due to the locked area being charged with a high voltage of electricity.
Once the electricity was safely diffused, paramedics were able to access Tabinski and transport him to the hospital via ambulance. The contractor had been hired by NASCAR to set up audio for the pre-race celebrations, as detailed in the police report.
An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death has been scheduled for later today, according to officials. At this time, no further information regarding the incident has been made available.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers associated with working in high-risk environments, and shines a light on the importance of strict safety protocols and awareness. NASCAR and local authorities will continue to investigate the incident to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the contractor’s untimely passing.