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GRPD: Foul Play Not Involved in Staircase Death

Posted at 1:04 PM, May 14, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-14 13:04:36-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.– Foul play did not play a part in the death of a 36 year-old man who fell four stories inside a popular downtown Grand Rapids bar and restaurant, that’s according to Grand Rapids Police Chief, Kevin Belk.

Chief Belk updated Grand Rapids city commissioners during their meeting Tuesday morning.

While police are waiting on an official blood alcohol level, Chief Belk did say Kevin O’Brien had a high alcohol content when he fell over the staircase inside The B.O.B early Sunday morning. O’Brien later died from his injuries.

Chief Belk said his department is looking into whether there were any violations on the part of The B.O.B., specifically regarding serving alcohol. If anything is determined to be in violation, it would be handled by the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission. They are currently interviewing people to find out exactly how O’Brien fell.

Grand Rapids City Manager, Greg Sundstrom, said he spoke with an architect of The B.O.B after last month’s fall death. It was in regards to possible safety improvements. But, Sundstrom said he has not yet heard of any recommendations.