What led to the death of a man at a highschool basketball game?
There’s no excuse for violence in such situations and even more so when it ends in death. Following the tragedy, questions will have to be answered.
Though violence has been excused between groups of fans, the reality is there is no excuse for the tragedy that occurred following the middle school game. What’s more, is the fact that we are left with a lack of clarity as to why a coach lost his life.
Middle School Brawl ends in death of coach Russell Giroux
According to reports on Tuesday, a fatal brawl which involved a number of fans took place at a middle school basketball game in northern Vermont on Tuesday. As per reports, at least one person lost their life, namely, 60-year-old Russell Giroux, died following the altercation. According to reports, Vermont state troopers were dispatched to the Alburgh Community Education Center at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, following a call that indicated there was a large fight that was occurring between fans after a seventh and eigth-grade basketball game.
Where the game itself is concerned, the contest was between lburgh and St. Albans. Though details are still sketchy, what we can confirm is that a number of spectators who were present that day ended up on the wrong side of the law. From shoving, to outright punches and pushes what we can understand is that the situation was completely out of hand. Yet, it’s worth noting that as per reports, the conflict came to an end before state troopers arrived at the scene. That didn’t stop them from tackling a number of people. Indeed, there were multiple reports of excessive violence including shoves, punches and kicks. Worth noting, is the fact that Giroux, who police confirmed was involved in the fight, asked to received medical attention and was transported via ambulance to Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Russell Giroux is dead but what happens now?
To be clear, the death of Giroux’s is being investigated by state police, as well as the Grand Isle state attorney’s office. That’s to say, that alongside the office of the Vermont medical examiner, there will be an autopsy performed to establish the official cause of death. Yet, regardless of official results, we’ve witnessed one more example of when a sport takes precedence over basic empathy. That’s to say, it’s not OK. Rest in peace Russell Giroux.