SLIPPERY ROCK — A retired Slippery Rock University art professor died in a freak accident Monday afternoon when he sliced his throat after falling through a glass door at a restaurant, authorities said.

Glen Brunken, 69, of Worth Township apparently tripped and stumbled headlong into the door at Bob’s Subway & Sandwich Shop on South Main Street about noon.

Brunken, who walked with a cane, badly cut his throat area and was bleeding profusely, borough police said. He died about two hours later at a Pittsburgh hospital.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office listed the cause of death as “accidental sharp force injury to the neck due to ground level fall.” There was no autopsy.

Rita Abent, executive director for public relations at Slippery Rock University, said she was shocked to hear about the circumstances of Brunken’s death.

She described him as an “icon” at the university, where he taught for four decades.

“This is a sad and tragic loss for the university and community,” Abent said. “Dr. Brunken was well respected and well liked by students and colleagues.”

Police said Brunken was walking to the sandwich shop to meet a friend for lunch when he accidentally tripped.

Slippery Rock Ambulance paramedics got there quickly and began life-saving measures.

There was “quite a bit of blood on the sidewalk” when rescuers arrived, according to a police report. Slippery Rock police Lt. Brian Hoak said Brunken was conscious and still breathing when he was taken to Grove City Medical Center.

Later, a medical helicopter flew him to UPMC Presbyterian, where he was pronounced dead at 2:30 p.m.

Brunken in 2009 retired after a 40-year career at SRU. The university’s art department honored him upon his retirement with a tribute from former students, who credited their one-time professor with developing their painting, teaching and art skills.