A GoFundMe has been launched for Fred Livingston Jr., the man killed during the venue collapse between sets at a Morbid Angel show on March 31. You can donate to the GoFundMe here, which is seeking $15,000 to cover costs associated with the loss of a family here.
"It is with great sorrow that we have to share the unexpected passing of Fred Livingston Jr. On March 31st, a tragic event at the Apollo Theater in Belvidere, Illinois led to the loss of a great man," reads the fundraiser. "Fred was an amazing man that leaves behind his three sons, Alex, Fred III, and Shane, along with the rest of his family that cared about him deeply.
"Our family still cannot comprehend this unexpected tragedy and we are asking for donations to help with the costs that come along with losing a family member. On behalf of our family, we greatly appreciate any support that can be offered to help get us through this tough time.
"We hope to update you soon on more details for services to honor the life of a son, brother, father and grandpa who will be truly missed."
A second GoFundMe has been launched for a woman named Michelle, who was severely injured in the collapse and will be out of work for an extended period of time. You can donate to that GoFundMe here.
"I'm sure you saw the theater collapse on the news/internet," reads the description of Michelle's GoFundMe. "My close friend of 18 years was severely injured in this incident. She broke her spine and 10 ribs, a huge laceration on the back of her head. She will be getting surgery and will be out of work and in recovery for an extended period.
"I can update more as time progresses. She shouldn't have to worry about rent for a while though, any little bit will help. Thanks for taking the time to read this! PS – I'm struggling to come up with the right words. Michelle's sister Katie said it better:
"'If you haven't seen in the news, a theater in Belvidere collapsed during a small concert last night. My sister was there and has major injuries. She has 10 broken ribs, a laceration to the back of her head, a broken wrist, and worst of all she broke her back. Her fiancé was with and also has significant injuries. Please… if you can't donate PLEASE take the time to share this link. The last thing they need to be worried about is paying their everyday bills. They have months of recovery time ahead of them both. Please pray for my sister and her fiance."
On March 31, the roof and floor collapsed at the Apollo venue in Belvidere, IL where Morbid Angel, Revocation, Crypta, and Skeletal Remains were playing. Nobody in any of the bands were hurt. One concertgoer was killed and 40 were injured, according to a report from the New York Times.
"Initially, I was confused because it felt like an earthquake, and I was thinking, 'Why would there be an earthquake right now?'" said show attendee Chris Bryant in the report. "As soon as that happened, I watched as the entire roof collapsed on everybody, basically right where we were standing."
The collapse happened shortly after Crypta finished playing and the venue paused all activities for 30 minutes due to severe weather. It was during that pause that the roof caved in.
According to CBS at the time, the Chicago Fire Department reported that 20 ambulances were requested to arrive at the scene. The collapse of the structure was due to severe storms in the area with up to 90 mph winds. CBS further reports that trees also came down on cars near the venue and in the area.
