Subscribe!
Jacob’s Pillow Cancels Season After “Workplace Accidental Death” of Production Manager
It is with profound sadness that Jacob’s Pillow reports that a tragic accident occurred outdoors on our campus the afternoon of August 1, resulting in the death of one of our production managers, Kat Sirico. There were no other injuries.
Authorities were immediately notified and there are no criminal charges. An investigation conducted by law enforcement determined that the events leading to death were related to a workplace accident. The official cause of death will be announced by the Medical Examiner. An investigation by OSHA is ongoing.
According to the Times Union, “Kat Sirico and an intern had been using a dolly to move staging equipment across the property early on Friday afternoon when the pair lost control of the device on a “sloped area,†Julia Sabourin, the district attorney’s office operations chief, said in an email. Sirico, 40, then tripped and fell as they tried to regain control of the dolly and was run over. Platforms on top of the dolly then fell on top of Sirico. Bystanders attempted life-saving measures before Becket police and emergency services arrived, Sabourin said.
“Kat was a Pillow alum and an essential and hugely devoted leader on our team,†Jacob’s Pillow executive and artistic director Pamela Tatge said in a statement announcing the cancellation of all performances over this past weekend. “Their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many. We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together.â€
A statement from Sirico’s family said the production manager died “following an accident that occurred while engaged in work that brought deep meaning and joy. Kat’s final days were spent in a place that offered connection, purpose, and happiness.â€
An additional remembrance will be shared in the coming days, the family previously said.
“Kat was a Pillow alum and an essential and hugely devoted leader on our team,†executive and artistic director Pamela Tatge said. “Their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many. We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together.â€
All performances and events for the remainder of the season have been canceled. Audiences for the canceled performances will receive detailed updates from Jacob’s Pillow by email.
A major funder of Jacob’s Pillow is the Doris Duke Foundation, which keeps Rough Point, Duke’s mansion in Newport, RI, open to the public.
shocking but all too common is the fact that these successful venues do not hire (pay well) enough people to create and manage their productions! SOME people are raking in the profits, but it usually skips the STAFF!