A fan had a “medical emergency” and died during the Kings’ In-Season Tournament home game at Golden 1 Center against the Pelicans on Monday night.
“During the first quarter of the Kings vs. Pelicans game, a guest had a medical emergency,” the Kings said in a statement Monday night, according to ESPN. “EMS immediately responded and administered CPR. Tragically, these efforts were unsuccessful and the guest passed away. The organization offers its deepest condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones.”
The Kings said the fan had a medical emergency around 7:25 p.m. PT, per Fox 40 in Sacramento, and the Sacramento Fire Department and other emergency personnel attempted to help.
Sacramento Fire said that emergency medical services attempted CPR for 20 minutes, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Golden 1 Center staff was notified that someone was unresponsive,” said the Sacramento Fire Department. “When the engine got there they found a 30’s aged male.”
Kings forward Keegan Murray said the players were not aware of what happened but offered sympathy to those affected.
“As a team, we give our condolences,” Murray said, according to ESPN. “Hopefully, the family is being taken care of.”
The Kings (11-8) fell Monday to the Pelicans, 127-117, in the first of the two Western Conference semifinals in the inaugural In-Season Tournament.
New Orleans (12-10) grabbed an eight-point lead at halftime and held on for the win to improve to 3-0 against the Kings this season.
The second Western Conference semifinal takes place Tuesday night in Los Angeles when the Lakers welcome the Suns.
The Pacers eliminated the tournament favorite Celtics in the first Eastern Conference semifinal matchup, while the Bucks host the Knicks on Tuesday.
The semifinals will take place Thursday in Las Vegas, with the championship set for Saturday.