BILLINGS, MT – A 36-year-old guitar tech from the greater Boston, Massachusetts area was reportedly fatally injured earlier in July while attending a show at a music venue in Billings, Montana. While detailed specifics on the sustained fatal injury are limited, there are currently no reports indicating the individual’s death was the result of any intentionally malicious acts.
On July 16th, the Canadian-based hardcore outfit Counterparts were playing a show at The Pub Station in Billings when tragedy struck amidst the mosh pit that had formed during the show.
Dave Cohen, a guitar tech who was having a short break from assisting Animals as Leaders during their summer tour, was in or near the mosh pit at the Counterparts show when locals say he was struck by another concert goer’s elbow.
One individual on Reddit who claimed to be an employee of the venue where the incident occurred stated Cohen’s sustained fatal injury appears to have been the result of an accident, mentioning that, “people weren’t really ‘crowd killing’…it was mostly mosh pitting and circle pitting.”
The band Animals as Leaders issued a statement on Cohen’s untimely death on Instagram on July 17th, expressing their collective shock and condolences over the loss of their friend and respected tour mate.
“Last night we experienced a part of life that none of us look forward to, the unexpected passing of our dear friend and guitar tech Dave Cohen. He was an amazing person, loved by all who met him. He was a wise and centered being. A true inspirational person to be around. We are thankful for the experiences and memories we shared with Dave. Our condolences go out to his friends and family. A soul is lost but never forgotten.”
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Outside of Cohen’s touring work as a guitar tech, he was also an experienced luthier and owner of the Boston-based Equilibrium Guitars and also the lead guitar player for the groove metal band Chuggernaut.
Local authorities have yet to issue a public statement on Cohen’s unfortunate passing.
Gregory Hoyt is a former contributor to outlets such as Law Enforcement Today and Red Voice Media, and current host of The Breakdown with Greg Hoyt. Based out of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Hoyt is a staunch and outspoken advocate of law enforcement and first responders, while also harboring the unique experience of having spent nearly 5 years in prison. Since then, he's used his unique perspective to offer support and commentary about the criminal justice system. When not working or combating bad ideas, Hoyt also leisurely studies economics, history, and law.