Phish Says It Is “Deeply Saddened” After Fatal Stabbing Outside Virginia Concert

A confrontation outside Hampton Coliseum turned deadly on Friday night, Sept. 19, when a stabbing in the venue’s parking area left one person dead and two others wounded during a Phish concert, according to the Hampton Police Division.

Police say officers were called to an altercation that escalated into violence on Coliseum Drive just after 9:30 p.m. ET. The suspect fled the scene, but investigators later identified all parties involved and characterized the event as “an isolated incident,” per a police statement. Read the Hampton Police report.

Members of the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue provided on-scene medical aid. The first victim was taken to a local hospital and later died of their injuries. A second victim was also transported and remains under medical care. A third adult male sought treatment directly at a hospital as a walk-in for a laceration that officials say is non-life-threatening.

The band Phish posted a message on social media on Saturday addressing the incident, saying they were saddened by the news and offering condolences to those affected. In its statement, the group noted that it had no additional information beyond what police released and emphasized the upsetting nature of the reports.

Despite the incident, the band’s scheduled weekend performances at Hampton Coliseum — the final dates of their summer tour — were set to continue as planned for Saturday and Sunday. Lead singer and guitarist Trey Anastasio also has solo shows planned this fall, and Phish are slated to return for a four-night New Year’s run at Madison Square Garden in New York City from Dec. 28–31.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact the Hampton Police Division’s Major Crimes Unit at (757) 727-6111 or the tip hotline at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Anonymous tips can also be submitted securely through P3Tips.com.