A married father of two has died in a horrific accident after being fatally stabbed by a knife he was carrying around his neck.
Patrick Kenney Jr., 42, was found in the parking lot outside an Asian restaurant, Kowloon, in the historic town of Saugus, Massachusetts, about 10 miles from Boston.
Police were called to the scene at 9pm on Saturday as they initially believed it was a stabbing. He was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he later died.
Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker and Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli said in a joint statement that Kenney’s death “appears to be an accident and no other parties are believed to be involved.”
Kenney’s distraught family described him as “a loving father, husband, brother, son and loyal friend to many,” according to a family statement.
Patrick Kenney, Jr., 42, died Saturday evening after he was fatally stabbed by a knife he was carrying around his neck in what was ruled an “accident” by prosecutors and the Saugus police chief
The scene outside Kowloon is in the historic town of Saugus, Massachusetts, about 10 miles from Boston, where the tragic accident occurred
Kenney is survived by his wife Lauren Kenney (pictured) and two children, who are twins. Lauren’s sisters Bridget and Liz have started a GoFundMe to support their sister and their niece and nephew during this difficult time. As of Monday evening, nearly $24,000 had been raised
As multiple sources told NewsCenter5, Kenney was fatally injured by a knife that was attached to something he was wearing around his neck.
It remains unclear why Kenney had a knife around his neck.
Officials told the Boston Globe that Kenney’s death is under investigation.
Kenney’s father told the news outlet that his son’s death was a terrible accident.
He leaves behind his wife Lauren and their young twin children.
The family called the incident a “terrible tragedy” and asked for privacy, the news outlet reported.
“Our family mourns the loss of Patrick, focuses on his wife Lauren and two young children, and tries to make sense of this terrible tragedy,” the family said in a statement.
On Monday afternoon, Lauren Kenney’s sisters Liz and Bridget launched a GoFundMe to help the family with an “indescribable loss.”
“Our sister Lauren’s husband, Patrick, has left unexpectedly, leaving behind a grieving wife and their precious children, Ava and Patrick.”
“Pat was not only a loving father; He was also Lauren’s best friend and confidant. His sudden absence has created a void that words cannot fill.
“As we navigate this challenging time, our primary focus is ensuring children receive the support they need to navigate their daily lives amid these newfound challenges.
“To provide a safety net for Lauren, Ava and Patrick during this time of grief, we are launching this GoFundMe campaign.”
“Your generosity will help meet their future educational needs and ensure that Pat’s dream of ensuring a bright future for his family continues.”
“The funds raised will also provide a resource for the children’s long-term educational and additional needs.”
Investigators are on scene and are picking up some items they apparently collected from the crime scene
Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker and Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli said in a joint statement that Kenney’s death “appears to be an accident and no other parties are believed to be involved.”
“Let us come together to honor Pat’s legacy, rally around his family and give them the support they need moving forward.”
As of Monday evening, the fundraiser has raised nearly $24,000 toward its $30,000 goal.
The Wong family, which owns Kowloon, issued a statement to WCVB-TV.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family.” “Everything else matters at this time,” the statement said.
“We ask that you not jump to conclusions until an investigation is complete,” the news station said.