MIDDLETOWN. Ohio – A musician was fatally punched inside the Old Crow Bar over the weekend, the Journal-News reported.
John Fugate, 46, fell off the stage and hit his head on the concrete floor after being punched about 1 a.m. Saturday, according to Middletown police.
Fugate booked bands at the bar on Jackson Lane and had volunteered there since its former stage manager, John Howard, died from lung cancer last year, friends said.
Middletown police did not say what led up to the incident. Major Scott Reeve said the case would go to a grand jury to consider charges after they complete their investigation.
Fugate’s death is a “devastating loss,” according to a post on the bar’s Facebook page.
Chris Lester, owner of Lester’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Shop on Central Avenue, said he had known Fugate for about 30 years. He called Fugate a great father.
“I’m heartbroken for them,” Lester said.
The Journal-News is a media partner of WCPO 9 On Your Side.
