NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – LSU nation is learning more about the football fan who died while watching the Tigers last second victory over Ole Miss.
59-year-old Brian Tingley was still in the stands after LSU’s unexpected win, when pandemonium broke out .
“He witnessed one heck of a game,” says Brian Tingley’s younger brother Ross, who’s confident the 35-year season ticket holder’s passion for his team will live on. “When the fans rushed the field is when he collapsed.”
Ross Tingley said he passed on Brian’s offer to go with him to the game because he was feeling under the weather, “This particular night he did it by himself.”
Ross says he can only imagine how happy his brother’s last moment on earth was, “I guess the excitement was a little bit too much for him. It was fast for him and he died loving the Tigers.”
Beyond his allegiance to LSU, the West Bank native and Belle Chasse High School grad worked as a dispatcher at Packard Truck Lines, “He never missed a day of work. He’s probably one of the smartest guys I ever met. Very dedicated employee. They’re going to miss him terribly.”
Brian Tingley remained on the West Bank after Katrina protecting his neighborhood, “He stayed behind. There was a lot of looting going on around.”
Ross says reports his brother suffered from heart disease are inaccurate, “As far as any kind of heart condition, no. He had a heart of gold. He died loving what he did. Brian was a good soul. A great great guy. He’s really going to be missed.”
Family plans to spread Tingley’s ashes the three places he loves most; Jazz Fest , Greek Fest and Tiger Stadium.
Funeral services are Tuesday, November 4th.