Safety study planned at Illinois university auditorium

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Officials at the University of Illinois in Springfield say an outside consulting firm will review safety issues at the Sangamon Auditorium following the death of a concertgoer earlier this year.

Grey and Associates of Champaign will conduct the study, which is expected to cost about $5,000, university spokesman Blake Wood told The State Journal-Register . Wood said university officials expect the results by September, but he wouldn't say if the results will be made public.

John Kremitzki, 51, fell through an opening near the auditorium's main stage during a break in a Pink Floyd tribute show in March. Another patron, Greg Hoffman, was injured trying to help Kremitzki. Both men fell about 17 feet, according to police.

Kremitzki died the following day at a nearby hospital. An autopsy concluded he died from blunt force injuries to his abdomen, and also suffered fractures to his ribs, spine and pelvis, as well as a broken right leg.

Wood said university officials will evaluate the study's findings before deciding how to address any potential recommendations.

"In the interim, the university has taken remedial measures to ensure similar incidents do not occur," Wood said.

An attorney for Kremitzki's family, Charles Delan, said a lawsuit was being considered. He said there was "no legal settlement in the works," and declined to comment further.

Hoffman broke both of his legs and jaw in the fall. He was released from the hospital nine days after the incident.

Hoffman's attorney, Jim Ackerman, said Hoffman is unable to return to work and continues to undergo rehabilitation. He said a decision hasn't been reached on a lawsuit or a legal settlement.

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Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com