Contractor Dies While Setting Up for NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend

Photo:Alexandra Buxbaum/Sipa USA/AP

Alexandra Buxbaum/Sipa USA/AP

The preparation forNASCAR’sChicago Street Race Weekendhad a tragic ending.

The stock-car racing organization confirmed in a statement toThe Daily Heraldthat a contractor, later identified as Duane Tabinski of Hermitage, Tennessee, died while setting up for the festival on Friday. Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner confirmed the contractor’s identity to theChicago Sun-Times.

“On Friday afternoon, a contractor suffered a fatal medical emergency,” NASCAR said in a statement to theDaily Heraldand theChicago Sun-Times. “We are coordinating with local authorities on this tragic incident. We share our condolences to the family and their loved ones.”

Tabinksi’slive event production companyalso confirmed the news of his death in aFacebook postwhere they remembered him as someone who “was busy doing what he loved.”

“The DUANE team is shocked and saddened to inform you of Duane Tabinski’s passing earlier today,” a statement shared on Friday read. “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. We will post more details as they become available.”

NASCAR shared in an update on their website thatpreparation for the eventwas still taking place as of Friday afternoon.

Sean Gardner/Getty

“The late hour was due to organizers working to keep as many of the city’s thoroughfares open as long as possible heading into the holiday weekend,” the update reads.

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Scheduled to take place over the Fourth of July weekend on Saturday, the Chicago Street Race marks the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race. NASCARexplains on its event websitethat the race “will take competitors past and through many of the city’s most renowned downtown landmarks on Michigan Avenue, South Columbus Drive, South Lake Shore Drive, and the start-finish line near Buckingham Fountain.”

source: people.com