Fan dies during Kings-Pelicans NBA game in Sacramento after suffering 'medical emergency'
A spectator that attended the Sacramento Kings' matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday died during the game, the Kings announced. The game in Sacramento was one of four quarterfinals in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
According to the Kings, the paramedics were called to Golden 1 Center during the first quarter of the Pelicans' 127-117 win over the Kings after "a guest had a medical emergency."
"EMS immediately responded and administered CPR," the team said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday. "Tragically, these efforts were unsuccessful and the guest passed away. The organization offers its deepest condolences to the guest's family and loved ones."
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The Sacramento Fire Department told Fox40 that it responded to a report of an "unresponsive" spectator, described as a "30’s aged male.” He was pronounced dead at the scene following 20-minutes of CPR, the department added.
The medical emergency didn't cause a delay during the game. Following the matchup, Kings forward Keegan Murray said he and his teammates "weren’t aware" of the incident "at all." But Murray, along with Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox, sent their condolences to the fan's family.
"Heard the news about the fan tonight my condolences goes out to the family," Monk posted on Tuesday. Fox responded, writing, "Prayers to their fam.'