CHICAGO — Former college football player, 24-year-old Kyle W. Kirchhoff, of Hanover Park, died Friday after falling from a catwalk at the Aragon Ballroom during a performance by the band Chevelle.
Police said Kirchhoff fell onto “pieces of protruding metal” around 10:30 p.m. He suffered two fatal chest wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The band Chevelle stopped the show as Officials rushed to the scene. The group made the following statement on Facebook: “To our fans at the Chicago show: We are very sorry we had to end the show early. Due to a serious injury in the crowd the fire marshal was forced to cancel the rest of the show. We hope that whoever was injured makes a swift recovery.”
Kirchhoff attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He was a defensive lineman for the football team for four years.
Statement from Loras College: The Loras College Athletic Department mourns the loss of former defensive lineman Kyle Kirchhoff (’13), of Hanover Park, Illinois, who passed away on Friday, May 23, 2015.Kirchhoff, who was a four-year member of the Loras Football program and two-year starter, appeared in 32 games in his career. Totaling 64 tackles and 11 for loss, Kirchhoff also added 2.5 sacks, which included two in his senior season.
“Duhawk football has lost a great friend and teammate,” Loras College Head Football Coach Steve Helminiak (’91) said. “Kyle was loved by his teammates and coaches alike, his impact on and off the field will be missed but not forgotten.”
“Kyle’s love of life and football was infectious to all who were fortunate to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kyle’s family as they mourn during this very difficult time,” continued Helminiak.
Known amongst the Loras community for his friendly smile and support of his fellow students, Kirchhoff was a regular at all campus events and made it presence known.
In May of 2013, Kirchhoff graduated with a degree in sport management from Loras College and immediately began the coaching ranks as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Bartlett High School in Illinois. After one year with the Hawks, Kirchhoff was hired as the Defensive Line Coach at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. This fall would have been his second season with Chaparrals.
“Kyle was a true Duhawk. As an alumnus, he stayed connected to the athletic department and most dear to his heart was Duhawk football,” Loras College Director of Athletics Denise Udelhofen (’90, MA ’92) said. “Kyle always had a quick smile and was friendly to everyone he was around. He will be missed everyday. Our hearts go out to his family as they grieve their loss.”
An investigation is ongoing by the medical examiners office.
