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Pittsburgh Public Safety said 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 X. “Pittsburgh Police do not anticipate providing any additional updates to the public.”
The incident happened during the seventh inning of Wednesday’s game between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Play was stopped as medical staff attended to the fan before eventually carting him off the field.
The Pirates said Thursday that any update to his condition would be provided by appropriate medical personnel in conjunction with his family.
“We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said. “It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced. We are devastated. Pirates baseball is a community, and our fans are like family. In times like these, we must come together, support one another, and keep him and his loved ones in our prayers.
“We also want to thank and appreciate the efforts of the first responders who rushed to his attention and provided him with compassionate care.”
Pittsburgh Public Safety, which includes Pittsburgh Police and EMS, posted on X 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 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 Wednesday night.
The incident occurred after Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen knocked in two runs on a double to give the team a 4-3 lead. Players immediately called for help from the medical staff.
Players from both teams could be seen kneeling down, while others put their hands on their heads in concern for the injured fan.
“I just want to offer thoughts and prayers with the incident that happened earlier in the game,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton told reporters. “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.
“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 X. “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 fan accidents at stadiums.
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 died from the fall.
In 2011, a 39-year-old man fell to his death while trying 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 found marijuana in his system, as well as a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit for driving.
This story has been updated with additional information.
