Man plunges from the stands at Pirates game

A man plunged 20 feet from the stands onto the baseball field during a Pittsburgh Pirates in an accident that left him in critical condition, Pittsburgh police said Thursday.

The man onto the warning track area of right field during the seventh inning at Wednesday’s game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, stopping the game as players looked on in shock.

He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was in critical condition, a spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Safety said.

 “This incident is being treated as accidental in nature,” the agency said in a statement on Thursday. “The patient remains in critical condition at the hospital.” 

Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting called the fall a “terrible accident.”

“We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night. It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced,” Nutting said in a Thursday statement. “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.”

Nutting added: “We also want to thank and appreciate the efforts of the first responders who rushed to his attention and provided him with compassionate care.”

The fall happened as Andrew McCutchen rolled a two-out, two-run double through Chicago’s infield to put Pittsburgh on top, 4-3.

The clutch hit brought many of the 11,297 paid fans to their feet, including the spectator seated in the first row above the Roberto Clemente Wall.

A person who witnessed the incident stated that it occurred quickly and that the man fell from the 21-foot wall.

“It was quick. I couldn’t tell if he jumped or fell,” Sam Miller said. EMS staff members strapped the man to a stretcher to immobilize him, Miller said.

McCutchen was among the players who reacted on the field as emergency medical responders tended to the man. Fans reported on social media that the stadium was silent.

“Truly hate what happened tonight. Cant help but think about that guy, his family and friends. I pray tonight for him,” McCutchen wrote on X late Wednesday.

“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.”

Pirates manager Derek Shelton after the game asked that people keep the man in their prayers.

“Before we start, I just want to offer thoughts and prayers with the incident that happened earlier in the game,” he said at a post-game press conference, video from NBC affiliate WPXI of Pittsburgh showed.

Shelton also thanked EMS workers and medical staff from both teams who responded.

Detectives from the Pittsburgh Police Violent Crime Unit are investigating, Pittsburgh Public Safety said.