“In his last moments, he was happy:” Family of man who collapsed at concert speaks

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Jeffrey Fortune, his wife, and two stepsons went to go see the Swedish metal band “Ghost” Thursday night at the Riverside Theater.

“He was right out front and he was singing us all the songs and bouncing around,” said Mary Jo Fortune, his wife.

Jeffrey was a big “Ghost” fan. He had a history of congestive heart failure but that didn’t stop him from what he loved to do.

During intermission, something changed.  

“He said ‘I think I am okay to stay here now.’ He looked up and smiled and he just collapsed. It was almost like he knew he was dying and he was okay with it,” said Mary Jo.

The show stopped and people rushed over to try to help.  

“People have been saying, ‘well if they got there earlier there were people offering to help.’ But as bad as his heart was I really don’t think it would have made one bit of a difference,” said Mary Jo.

Fortune had been disabled for years because of his heart conditions. 

“In his last moments, he was really happy and he was surrounded by friends and family and I don’t think a lot of people have that when they go and I find peace in that,” said Early Endres, his stepson.

His family describes him as a cool Goth guy who lived life to the fullest. For his family, it’s the small things they will miss.

“I am going to miss talking with him and that’s what I am going to miss the most,” said Endres.

Since the tragedy, people in the community have reached out to help. The Gofundme account in Jeffrey’s honor has exceeded its goal in just a few days.

“It’s humbling that total strangers can reach out to someone they don’t even know. It restores my faith in people,” said Mary Jo.

Ghost American Ministries set up a gofundme account on the family's behalf, click here. Jeffrey wrote and played a song that his stepson remixed for him. To hear the song, click here. 

He also leaves behind children Matthew, Angela and Rebecca who live in Connecticut. 

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