Police: Middletown man died after being punched and falling off stage at bar

Fugate allegedly was punched while he was standing on stage around 1 a.m. Saturday, said Maj. Scott Reeve from the Middletown Division of Police. Fugate fell backward off the stage and hit his head on the concrete floor, Reeve said. He was transported to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, where he died, police said.

MORE POPULAR CONTENT

After Middletown kids test positive for meth, officials warn of access to drugs

These local law enforcement officials survived being shot. Here are their stories.

Reeve said police know who allegedly punched Fugate, but no charges have been filed. After the investigation is complete, the facts will be presented to the Butler County Grand Jury for consideration, Reeve said.

The bar posted on its Facebook page Saturday that the death of Fugate is a “devastating loss.”

He called Fugate’s death “unbelievable” and “tragic.”.

“I can’t get over it,” said Manley, his voice cracking.

Fugate had volunteered at the Old Crow since its former stage manager, John Howard, died from lung cancer last year, friends said.

Another friend, Chris Lester, owner of Lester’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Shop on Central Avenue, said he had known Fugate for about 30 years. Fugate was a frequent customer, Lester said.

Fugate’s death was “a tragic loss,” said Lester, who called Fugate a great father. “I’m heart-broken for them all.”