An employee at a theater died after inhaling poisonous gas from a special effect used during a performance.
“During this gas release, one of our employees was found unconscious. Two of his fellow technicians, in a heroic effort to solve the problem quickly, went to his rescue. They were also overcome by CO2 gas,” said Smoky Mountain Opry owner and CEO David Fee, via WATE 6.
“As a guest at the show Saturday night I was very impressed with the calmness in which the theater was evacuated....,” wrote Facebook user Kelly Bishop Lescarini, commenting on the statement. “The cast members were visibly shaken, but very kind & thorough with their assistance in the evacuation process.”
The 38-year-old Ellis was put into a medically induced coma after the accident, but later died, WATE 6 reported.
“We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and co-worker, Josh Ellis. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and fellow employees during this difficult time. The professional and personal relationships we had with Josh have been a source of enrichment and enjoyment to all of us. He was a wonderful employee and we shall miss him greatly. For all of us, this is devastating news. We ask for your prayers and support during this time,” wrote Fee, in a statement obtained by WATE 6.
The theater is canceling one of their show runs until March 16 while the family mourns. Another show offering will resume on March 9.
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