More details are emerging about the tragic death of a contractor who was working to set up the NASCAR street course on Friday.
According to a report from WGN on Friday, the man was working to set up for the event near the start/finish line in Grant Park when he was electrocuted around 11:30 am. He was taken to Northwestern Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
And now, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner, the man has been identified as 53-year old Duane Tabinski, owner of Duane Tabinski Production Consulting LLC out of Nashville. It was also confirmed that he was electrocuted while setting up an original piece of equipment called the TracPac that he had developed.
Tabinski had been hired by NASCAR to produce audio for the pre-race ceremonies at the historic race, the first time NASCAR has ever raced on a street course.
He’s had a long career of producing audio, video, lighting and staging for over 30 years, working with artists like Toby Keith, ZZ Top and Bob Dylan. He also recently worked CMA Fest in Nashville just a couple of weeks ago.
Tabinski’s wife, Kristin, released a statement to the Sun-Times:
“We are overwhelmingly devastated by the loss of Duane. He was so excited to help fans ‘feel’ the action and his crew is going to ensure that the show will go on this weekend.”
In addition to his wife, Tabinski is survived by nine siblings, five children and seven grandchildren.
His company also released a statement on Friday shortly after his passing:
“The DUANE team is shocked and saddened to inform you of Duane Tabinski’s passing earlier today. He was busy doing what he loved, providing a top-of-the-line audio experience for the enjoyment of others. A very giving and caring soul, Duane will be missed. Updates to come.”
The company will also be adding a tribute page to their website, duanerocks.com, with further information about memorial services for Tabinksi.
NASCAR released a short statement on the incident on Friday:
“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.”
The sport is in Chicago for the first time, and will be holding its first ever street race, which is expected to draw nearly 100,000 attendees over the weekend.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series race, the Loop 121, was delayed to this morning due to bad weather yesterday, and will be followed this afternoon by the Cup Series with the Grant Park 220. The weekend will also feature full-length concerts from Miranda Lambert, Charley Crockett and more.
The makeshift course, which runs through the streets of Chicago, will feature 12 turns along the 2.2 mile track.
