Beloved Nashville Audio Engineer Dies in NASCAR Chicago Incident
An audio engineer who died by electrocution while helping to set up NASCAR’s street race in Chicago has been identified as Duane Tabinski, a Nashville-based audio specialist and Hermitage native who owned the audio company “Duane.” Tabinski died on Friday, June 30th due to electrocution while setting up from “pre-race celebrations.” He was 53 years old.
During the set up process, Tabinski contacted electrical wires, and was found passed out and slumped over. Because he was in a restricted area, paramedics had to wait until power was cut to the area before they could attempt to render aid. Tabinski was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death was caused by electrocution.
This weekend’s NASCAR’s festivities were supposed to be joyous and historic. The death of Duane Tabinski has overshadowed that to some extent. The Chicago event happening on July 1st and 2nd is NASCAR’s first-of-its-kind street racing event in its 75 years history. Music is also set to be a big part of the event, with performers including Miranda Lambert, The Black Crowes, and The Chainsmokers, and Charley Crockett getting a big opportunity on a national stage.
Charley Crockett is opening for Miranda Lambert on Sunday (7-2) before Miranda Lambert plays a full set. It is unclear if Duane Tabinski was working specifically on the music portion of the presentation when he died. The death occurred at about 11:30 am on Friday near the start/finish line of the race.
Duane Tabinski’s production company boasted doing work for acts such as Toby Keith, Old Crow Live, ZZ Top, Boston, Bob Dylan, and Katy Perry. “We are overwhelmingly devastated by the loss of Duane,” his wife of eight years, Kristin Tabinski, told the Chicago Sun-Times, while saying the family is continuing to search for answers. “He was so excited to help fans ‘feel’ the action and his crew is going to ensure that the show will go on this weekend.”
Duane Tabinski had worked previously as a a drummer and a DJ, as well as a truck driver, and also ran a restaurant. In 2006, he committed to running sound for events full time. “His ability to mix audio was exceptional and his talent made so many shows, festivals and events so enjoyable for everyone. He had the best ear in the business,” his wife says.
Duane Tabinski is survived by five children, and seven grandchildren.
July 2, 2023 @ 8:31 am
Audio engineers are truly the most unheralded individuals in the music business, and the good ones are outright invaluable. Sad story to report. RIP Duane Tabinski.
July 3, 2023 @ 5:55 am
A sound engineer that has done his/her job well is seldom noticed by most everyone, only when something is amiss do they get called out.
That is the nature of the beast.
However, they are one of the few in any production that can by their effort or lack of, can tank an event all by themselves.
And obviously, something Duane knew little of.
July 2, 2023 @ 11:23 am
Trigger thanks for this information as someone that’s been in the business over 40 yrs and been on many crews it’s very dangerous and most the time thankless work I can assure you. This man Duane who was obviously one of the best audio engineers from what I understand went on to form his own production company where you’re responsible for all audio/video/large screen graphics, and lighting from hello to good bye on these types of events. My thoughts are with everyone still down there today crew and his family as it’s raining here right now we hope that the show goes on safely for all.
July 2, 2023 @ 4:03 pm
Wow, what a strange and unfortunate story. Prayers going out to the family.
July 2, 2023 @ 7:07 pm
RIP Duane. Condolences to his family and friends.
With 50+ years in this industry, this is the first fatal accident of this cause I have heard about. I hope the exact cause/circumstances are revealed, not for liability or blame, but so it never has to happen again, and we don’t get the typical knee jerk over reaction by those that are effectively clueless as to what we do.
The oddest aspect IMO reported at this point is Duane “contacted live wires near the finish line” and that “first responders had to wait to render first aid till power was turned off”, how was it so obvious that this was an electrocution incident that prevented prompt resuscitation and access I wonder?
July 2, 2023 @ 8:33 pm
It was in a restricted, “padlock” area with high voltage wires and warning signs. What’s to wonder? First responders are not supposed to risk getting electrocuted, themselves. Would you rather have 3 or 4 people electrocuted?
July 2, 2023 @ 10:23 pm
There is never supposed to be any live exposed hazardous open energized electrical circuits/wires on ANY jobsite, period. Anything over 77 volts is considered potentially lethal, A warning sign means little to working professionals, especially a “McGuiver”, they don’t require or need a warning sign. Like putting up a sign for race drivers “Do Not Run Into the Wall”. “Paddock” at a racetrack means a restricted area not normally for unrestricted spectator access, where cars are worked on and garaged. You did not explain/address how an arriving responder could determine the issue at hand was electrocution and a life safety issue vs say a heart attack or a stroke or a diabetic episode, etc. There is IMO a lot more to be uncovered here.
Your last question does not warrant a response.
July 2, 2023 @ 10:27 pm
There is never supposed to be any live exposed hazardous open energized electrical circuits/wires on ANY jobsite, period. Anything over 77 volts is considered potentially lethal, A warning sign means little to working professionals, especially a “McGuiver”, they don’t require or need a warning sign. Like putting up a sign for race drivers “Do Not Run Into the Wall”. “Paddock” at a racetrack means a restricted area not normally for unrestricted spectator access, where cars are worked on and garaged. You did not explain/address how an arriving responder could determine the issue at hand was electrocution and a life safety issue vs say a heart attack or a stroke or a diabetic episode, etc. There is IMO a lot more to be uncovered here.
Your last question does not warrant a response.
July 3, 2023 @ 1:04 pm
Rest in peace great gear guardian…
July 9, 2023 @ 12:41 am
this is awful news.
these people make the business run…bless all of you…