October 07, 2004
Ohio State's Neutron Man Dies
Orlas King, fan who danced to OSU Marching Band during games
Orlas King, a local restaurant owner who was known to thousands as "Neutron Man" at Ohio State sporting events, died Thursday in Florida.
King died at his home in Florida while preparing to play golf.
King, 62, danced to the Ohio State University marching band's rendition of the Pointer Sisters' "Neutron Dance," for decades.
King, was one of Ohio State's most recognized fans for years. Four or five times during Ohio State football games, King danced to the song.
For years, "Neutron Man" sat along the 30-yard line in the first row of "B" deck, and would dance in front of Ohio Stadium fans. In the last few years, King was relocated to the southeast corner of the stadium where he continued to perform.
King also appeared at dozens of Ohio State football road games, including bowl appearances and alumni functions.
King owned the End Zone in Newark, and also some Ponderosa Steakhouse franchises in Central Ohio.
According to the general manager of King's Newark restaurant, King had suffered heart failure during the past couple of years.
Bandleaders were to meet to decide if they will officially retire King's signature song in his honor.
