A tragedy struck where you least would expect it. Pittsburgh Public Safety said in a statement on Thursday the fan who fell from the right field wall onto the field at PNC Park on Wednesday remains in critical condition.
The fall is being treated as accidental, police said.
“This incident is being treated as accidental in nature. The patient remains in critical condition at the hospital,” the department said on social media. “Pittsburgh Police do not anticipate providing any additional updates to the public.”
The incident occurred during the seventh inning of Wednesday’s game between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates. Play was halted as medical staff rendered aid to the fan before eventually carting him off the field on a stretcher.
Pittsburgh Public Safety, which includes Pittsburgh Police and EMS, posted on social media late Wednesday night that the man was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
“Pittsburgh EMS, as well as the Pirates and Cubs athletic training teams and other PNC Park personnel reacted and responded immediately and administered care. He was transported to the Allegheny General Hospital. No further information is available at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” the Pirates said in a statement.
The incident happened after Pirates’ legend Andrew McCutchen knocked in a couple of runs on a two-bagger to give the team a 4-3 lead. Players immediately called for help from the medical staff.
Players from both rosters could be seen kneeling, while others put their hands on their heads in concern for the injured victim.
“I just want to offer thoughts and prayers with the incident that happened earlier in the game,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton told the media. “I thank both our medical staff, the Cubs medical staff, EMS, everybody that got to the gentleman. I just ask everybody to keep him in your prayers.
Embed from Getty Images“Even though it’s 350 feet away, or whatever it is, the fact of how it went down and then laying motionless while a play is going on. Craig (Counsell) saw it, I saw it, we both got out there. I don’t think the umpire saw it, unfortunately, because of the way the ball kicked.
“It’s extremely unfortunate. I mean, that’s an understatement.”
“Truly hate what happened tonight,” McCutchen said in a statement on social media. “Can’t help but think about that guy, his family and friends. I pray tonight for him. Let us think about his loved ones and hug our families a little tighter tonight. I hope he pulls thru. May God Bless you all. Good night”
Wednesday night’s incident marks the latest in a string of fan-involved accidents at stadiums and arenas.
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan died in 2022 after falling from an escalator at the team’s Acrisure Stadium following a game against the New York Jets.
In 2015, Gregory Murrey, 60, of Alpharetta, Georgia, tumbled out of the stands during an Atlanta Braves game against the New York Yankees. He later succumbed to his injuries.
In 2011, a 39-year-old man fell to his death while attempting to catch a ball at a Texas Rangers game. He stuck out his glove and reached for the ball but lost his balance and flipped over the railing of the outfield seats, crashing headfirst into a scoreboard.
That same year, a man trying to slide down a railing at Coors Field at a Colorado Rockies game fell and died. An autopsy later revealed that marijuana was found in his system, as well as a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit for driving.
