A baseball fan remains in critical condition at a Pittsburgh hospital after falling over 20 feet from the right field wall onto the warning track during Wednesday night’s Pirates-Cubs game at PNC Park.
The terrifying incident occurred in the seventh inning just after Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run double to give Pittsburgh a 4-3 lead. Players and coaches immediately noticed the fallen spectator and called for medical assistance, temporarily halting play.
“Pittsburgh EMS, as well as the Pirates and Cubs athletic training teams and other PNC Park personnel reacted and responded immediately and administered care,” the Pirates organization said in a statement released Wednesday night. “He was transported to Allegheny General Hospital.”
Video of the incident shows the person tumbling from their seat in right field, flipping multiple times before landing on the warning track below. According to witnesses, the fan appeared motionless after the fall while medical staff rushed to provide emergency care.
Warning: The following video is graphic —
Scary moment in Pittsburgh, as a fan fell from the 21-foot wall in right field.
Prayers. 🙏
(Via: @BobbK_)pic.twitter.com/a6ghA7amVJ
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 1, 2025
Pittsburgh police confirmed Thursday that the incident “is being treated as accidental in nature” and added they “do not anticipate providing any additional updates to the public.” No further details about the fan’s identity or the circumstances leading to the fall have been released.
The frightening scene visibly affected players from both teams, who could be seen kneeling or placing hands on their heads in concern while medical personnel worked to stabilize the injured fan. The game eventually resumed after the person was transported from the stadium, with Pittsburgh holding on for a 4-3 victory.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton appeared shaken when addressing the incident in his postgame comments.
“I just want to offer thoughts and prayers with the incident that happened earlier in the game,” 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.”
Shelton noted that despite being approximately 350 feet away, he and Cubs manager Craig Counsell both witnessed the fall.
“The fact of how it went down and then laying motionless while a play is going on… It’s extremely unfortunate. I mean, that’s an understatement,” he added.
Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, whose hit occurred around the time of the incident, shared his concern on social media following the game.
“Truly hate what happened tonight,” McCutchen wrote. “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.”