Police reveal new details in dramatic fan fall at Penguins game

The news broke Monday night when a fan at the Pittsburgh Penguins–St. Louis Blues game was taken to the hospital after falling from the upper concourse at PPG Paints Arena. Emergency personnel rushed to the fan, who has not been identified, before transporting him to Mercy Hospital, located a few blocks from the arena.

Initial reports suggested the fan stumbled down several stairs before tumbling headfirst over the glass. During the fall, he struck a person on the suite level below, then continued down to the lower bowl, lying unconscious. He was later loaded onto a stretcher and taken to the hospital.

On Thursday, reporter Ricky Sayer of KDKA shared updates from the police investigation, which included interviews with several witnesses. A Pittsburgh Public spokesperson said witnesses told police the fan had been stepping over seats in the upper deck when he lost his footing.

The team and arena confirmed that the fan was not using a designated staircase, and emphasized that the safety barrier remained intact. They also noted that the investigation is still ongoing.

The team and Oak View Group, the venue’s managing partner, “can confirm the patron was not using the designated staircase at the time of the incident,” according to a joint statement. “And the safety barrier remained intact.”

The investigation into the fall continues.

As of now, all we know is the fan sustained life-threatening injuries, and no further updates on his condition have been provided.

This incident serves as a reminder for everyone to prioritize safety in sporting venues, including using designated staircases and walkways. Arenas are intentionally steep to provide optimal views, and following safety rules helps prevent tragedies like this one.

The PPG Paints Arena incident was the third of its kind since April in Pittsburgh, following one each at PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium.