Crime & Safety
Body At SunTrust Park Was Beer-Tap Inventor
The contractor had been working an overnight shift at the home of the Atlanta Braves when his body was found in a cooler by a co-worker.
SMYRNA, GA — The body found in a beer cooler at the Atlanta Braves' stadium has been identified as that of a contractor from Minnesota who was installing beer taps he invented at the stadium.
Todd Keeling, 48, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, worked for a beverage vendor and was doing contract work at SunTrust Park, according to Cobb County Police. He'd been working an overnight shift when his body was discovered by a co-worker Tuesday afternoon, according to police.
"He was a kind friend who dedicated his life to elevating the draft beer experience," Delaware North, which provides concessions at SunTrust, said in a written statement. "We salute his passion and dedication to revolutionizing the beverage industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Find out what's happening in Smyrna-Viningsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)
According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Keeling was an inventor who had created a beer tap that reduced the amount of time it takes to pour a glass. He was installing those taps at SunTrust Park when he died, according to the paper.
Find out what's happening in Smyrna-Viningsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Keeling had tinkered with the invention since he graduated college, the paper reported. His Draftwell tap system already had been installed at Target Field in Minneapolis and the Chicago White Sox’s Guaranteed Rate Field, according to the paper.
Police have not said whether Keeling appears to have died of natural causes or if foul play is suspected. Cobb County's medical examiner's office conducted an autopsy on Wednesday and, on Thursday, Dr. Christopher Gulledge said more tests are needed before a determination can be made.
The Braves played the Cincinnati Reds at SunTrust on Tuesday. Keeling's body was discovered before the game.
Photo: A general view of the 3rd base entry to SunTrust Park before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres on April 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
