A married father-of-two has died in a freak accident after he was 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, located in the historic city of Saugus, Massachusetts, approximately 10 miles from Boston.
Police were called to the scene at 9 p.m. on Saturday, initially assuming it was a stabbing. He was rushed 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 additional 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 wore around his neck, which the district attorney and Saugus police chief ruled an “accident”
The scene outside Kowloon, located 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, twins. Lauren's sister, Bridget and Liz, started a GoFundMe to help their sister and her niece and nephew during this difficult time. Nearly $24,000 was raised as of Monday evening
Kenney was fatally wounded by a knife attached to something he was wearing around his neck, multiple sources said News Center5 reported.
It remains unclear why Kenney was wearing a knife around his neck.
Officials told The Boston Sphere Kenney's death is under investigation.
Kenney's father told the news station that his son's death was a freak accident.
He is survived by his wife Lauren and their young twin children.
The family called the incident a “terrible tragedy” and asked for privacy, the news channel said.
“Our family is mourning the loss of Patrick, focused on his wife Lauren and two young children, and trying to make sense of this horrific tragedy,” the family said in a statement.
Monday afternoon a GoFundMe was created by Lauren Kenney's sisters – Liz and Bridget – to help the family cope with what is being described as '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 through this challenging time, our main focus is to ensure that the children have the support needed to manage their daily lives amid these new challenges.
“To provide Lauren, Ava and Patrick with a safety net 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 securing a bright future for his family continues.
'The money raised will also provide a resource for the children's long-term educational and supplementary needs.'
Investigators are on scene picking up what appears to be some items they are collecting from the 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 additional parties are believed to be involved.”
“Let's come together to honor Pat's legacy, rally behind his family and provide the support they need to move forward.”
As of Monday evening, the fundraiser raised nearly $24,000 toward their $30,000 goal.
The Wong family, which owns Kowloon, issued a statement WCVB TV.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family. Nothing else matters at this point,” the statement said.
“We ask that people do not jump to conclusions until the investigation is complete,” the news channel said.