Vikings Fan Dies Weeks After Fall During Packers Game

Tragic events at a sport venue is nothing short of a heartbreaking affair for both the players and the fans. A football fan from Minnesota has died from a traumatic brain injury suffered during a fall at the Vikings and Green Bay Packers game on Nov. 21. He finally gave in to his injuries a few days ago.

Josh Engle, a husband and father of four from Maple Lake, suffered the injury during the first quarter of the Vikings-Packers game in Minneapolis. According to his CaringBridge page, Engle and his friends were on their way to the concession stands during the first drive of the game. Unfortunately, Engle fell down the stairs about 20 feet and collided with the glass barrier at the bottom.

Engle was placed on a stretcher and rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. He suffered multiple brain bleeds, a fractured scull and a blood clot that he ultimately wasn’t able to recover from. Engle died with his wife by his side on Dec. 14.

The Vikings issued a statement about Engle’s death on Sunday, mourning the whole event and his death.

“We are deeply saddened by the recent death of Josh Engle, who experienced a tragic fall during the first quarter of the Packers-Vikings game on November 21. Josh was a passionate Vikings fan, but more importantly, based on our conversations with his family, he was a loving husband, father, and friend. Our hearts go out to the entire Engle family during this difficult time.”

Engle was an organ donor, which led to him being honored on his final day as he was transported to an operating room with his family behind him, and hospital staff lining the halls in silence. Engle’s favorite NFL team was the San Francisco 49ers. His family made sure to have the Vikings-49ers game on the TV in his hospital room on Nov. 28. 

Engel will always be remembered as a great husband, father and an amazing supporter of his team. His demise saddens his family and friends along with the whole NFL world. May his soul rest in peace.