A fan suffered life-threatening injuries after falling from the concourse at PPG Paints Arena on Monday during a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues.
The spectator, whom authorities identified only as a man, fell just 55 seconds into the game after the Penguins scored to take a 2-0 lead. The man struck another fan in the suites on the way down before dropping to a lower level, two dozen rows behind the home bench.
Paramedics took the man to an area hospital, the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department said.
The fan struck in the suites declined an ambulance ride to the hospital, according to authorities.
“Although there is no further information at this time, the Penguins and OVG Management Group are closely monitoring the situation,” the franchise said in a statement. “Our concerns remain with the individual and his family at this time.”
The Penguins went on to win 6-3 as star Sidney Crosby became the ninth NHL player to record 1,700 points in a career.
“It doesn’t feel right to be talking about points when you hear something like that,” Crosby said. “Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with that person and their family, and hopefully they’re OK.”
Monday night’s fall was the third of the year at Pittsburgh sports venues.
On Saturday night, a worker reportedly fell 50 feet and injured his legs while working near the scoreboard of Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In April, 20-year-old Kavan Markwood tumbled over the railing of the Clemente Wall at PNC Park during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs. Markwood spent several days in the hospital after falling 21 feet and is recovering.
• This story is based in part on wire service reports.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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