The son of a famous New York City restaurateur died over the weekend after a “tragic accident” at Madison Square Garden following a hockey game, authorities said.
New York City Police responded to a 911 call about an injured person at the Indoor Arena at 10:40 p.m. Saturday, not long after the Rangers game wrapped up.
Officers found 61-year-old Ernest Vogliano Jr. “unconscious and unresponsive with severe head trauma.”
He was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, where he was pronounced dead.
The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner stated that Vogliano had died of blunt force trauma, and ruled his death an accident.
A spokesperson for MSG Entertainment confirmed the incident, saying: “A fan at last Saturday’s Rangers game was injured in a tragic accident while leaving the venue and was immediately taken to a local hospital where he died.”
“Our deepest and heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones,” the statement said. The nature of the accident was not immediately disclosed.
Vogliano is the son of Ernest Vogliano Sr., the longtime owner of the temporarily closed Il Vagabondo in Manhattan.
Vogliano Jr., of New York City and North Salem, New York, is survived by his mother, wife Lesa, and children Blaze and Summer, according to an online obituary.
He was a graphic designer, founder of “Aspen Aces & Eights” magazine, and founder of the New York web design firm Monster Productions.
“Ernest was a friend to many; he loved life and will be remembered for his wide range of interests, from world travel and adventure to horses, beekeeping, skiing, and hockey,” the obituary said. “He was passionate about giving back to the community and took great pride in being a volunteer firefighter in Bedford, NY.”
Vogliano’s wife hired an attorney, Fred Eisenberg, who said his office has communicated with Madison Square Garden’s general counsel and is awaiting a response. He had no further comment.