The music venue denied that the incident was related to security measures in place
A fan passed away at a Bring Me The Horizon concert on 30 November, 2018 at Alexandra Palace in London. Emergency services rushed to the north London venue to reports of a person not feeling well at around 10 pm but were unable to save the man. The deceased was identified as Ali Mills from Essex who died in a mosh pit at the event.
A London Ambulance Services spokesperson said: “We sent an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car, an advanced paramedic and our hazardous area response team to the scene. Our first medic arrived in less than three minutes. Sadly the patient died at the scene.” link
The Sheffield based rock band released a statement shortly afterwards via a tweet saying: “Words cannot express how horrified we are feeling this evening after hearing about the death of a young man at our show last night. Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones at this terrible time. We will comment further in due course.”
Words cannot express how horrified we are feeling this evening after hearing about the death of a young man at our show last night. Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones at this terrible time. We will comment further in due course.
— Bring Me The Horizon (@bmthofficial) December 1, 2018
Alexandra Palace too issued a statement of condolence to the family of the deceased fan through twitter. They followed it with a tweet mentioning that the incident was “unrelated to the extensive security measures in place.” The venue also gave a statement to The Independent: “Alexandra Palace has an experienced events team with security and full medical team stationed throughout the site. We work closely with our local authority, licensing and the emergency services to ensure that regulations and requirements relating to the planning of an event are always executed to a high standard.” link
Following the above statement, we would like to clarify that this was a tragic medical incident and unrelated to the extensive security measures in place. However, we feel we must address inaccurate information. There were over 150 security personnel on site for the concert.
— Alexandra Palace (@Yourallypally) December 2, 2018
However, people present at the concert reacted differently and blamed a lack of essential security to be the reason for the incident on social media after the incident. A twitter user Jordan94smith tweeted that he’d seen more security at McDonald’s than at the concert. Another concert-goer who wanted to remain anonymous said: “I was very scared, I decided to leave early.” Eyewitness accounts also mentioned a person was carried out of the venue mid-concert and was treated by paramedics.
I’ve seen more security at McDonald’s than at bring me the horizon last night. Absolutely shocking to hear a fan lost his life, the people responsible and who did absolutely nothing should be fucking ashamed.
— Jordan (@Jordan94smith) December 1, 2018
Another user calliewatling through a series of tweets said: “gigs are supposed to be a safe space for everybody to enjoy themselves and let loose, not start fights, purposely hurt people for your own enjoyment and feel unsafe because the staff and venue are not performing their duty of care.”
…are not performing their duty of care. I’ve been battered and bruised, trampled on, had my hair pulled out and bleeding profusely and when it’s got too much I’ve always had help. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and basically, don’t be a cunt.
— Callie Watling (@calliewatling) December 1, 2018
Another fan who was present at the concert commented on facebook that Mills died because of a heart attack. They also explained the crowd to be “one of the worst” they had ever been in.
There has been no official statement from the band, the venue or the family of deceased regarding the actual reason for the death.