NASCAR contractor dies in Grant Park ahead of Chicago Street Race

A contractor for this weekend’s downtown NASCAR race died after an accidental electrocution in Grant Park, officials said. The first NASCAR Chicago Street Race is scheduled to take place in Grant Park this weekend.

The contractor was identified Friday afternoon as Duane Tabinski, 53, of Hermitage, Tenn., by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. His death was ruled an accident due to “contact with electric wire(s),” the medical examiner’s office said Saturday following an autopsy.

“On Friday afternoon, a contractor suffered a fatal medical emergency,” NASCAR said in a statement. “We are coordinating with local authorities on this tragic incident. We share our condolences to the family and their loved ones.”

The man “suffered an injury” on the 500 block of South Columbus Drive around 11:30 a.m., Chicago police said. The man was taken to Northwestern Hospital, where he was pronounced. Sources said he died from an apparent cardiac arrest, but an autopsy was scheduled for Saturday, according to the medical examiner’s office.

Chicago Fire Department spokesperson Larry Merritt said the man had a medical emergency and was assisted at the scene before being taken to the hospital.

Beginning Saturday, Grant Park is expected to draw 100,000 attendees to the two-day racing event, which will feature a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course around the city and full-length concerts ranging from country to electronic dance, headlined by Miranda Lambert, The Chainsmokers and The Black Crowes.