Pittsburgh Police End Investigation Into Injured Pirates Fan
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PITTSBURGH — The City of Pittsburgh police underwent an investigation after a fan fell onto the field at PNC Park in the latest Pittsburgh Pirates game vs. the Chicago Cubs on April 30.
Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen hit a ball that ricocheted off of Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, which went into the outfield, scoring both right fielder Bryan Reynolds and shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa and giving the home team a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning
During the play, a fan fell from the Roberto Clemente Wall, or the right field wall, down onto the playing field.
Players on both teams immediately realized what happened after the play and stopped out of respect, as paramedics, police, medical staff from both ball clubs and ushers came to help.
The paramedics got the fan onto a stretcher and put him on an medical cart, taking them off the field, which allowed the game to continue on after a 10-minute stoppage.
The Roberto Clemente Wall stands at 21 feet high, in honor of the Pirates Hall of Famer, who donned the jersey during his 18-year career with the franchise.
Clemente spent his entire career with the Pirates from 1955 to 1972. He made 15 All-Star games, won 12 Gold Glove Awards, four batting titles and was named the 1966 National League MVP.
Pittsburgh Public Safety announced at 10:30 p.m. that VCU detectives investigated the fall and that EMS transported the male to the hospital in critical condition.
They gave an update at 8:59 a.m. on May 1 that said they are treating the incident as "accidental in nature" and that the patient is still at the hospital in critical condition. Pittsburgh police also said it is unlikely they give any more updates to the public.
UPDATE: This incident is being treated as accidental in nature. The patient remains in critical condition at the hospital.
— Pittsburgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) May 1, 2025
Pittsburgh Police do not anticipate providing any additional updates to the public. https://t.co/sy5ML6bGoK
Both Pirates manager Derek Shelton and McCutchen spoke on the incident after the game, sending their thoughts and prayers to the injured fan, who is in critical condition at Allegheny General Hospital on the North Side of Pittsburgh.
Pirates owner Bob Nutting released an official statement following the incident. He spoke on the organization that was saddened by the event, praised the first responders and asked the Pirates community to come together in a difficult time.
"We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night," the statement read. "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."
Dominic writes for Pittsburgh Pirates On SI, Pittsburgh Panthers Pn SI and also, Pittsburgh Steelers On SI. A Pittsburgh native, Dominic grew up watching Pittsburgh Sports and wrote for The Pitt News as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, covering Pitt Athletics. He would write for Pittsburgh Sports Now after college and has years of experience covering sports across Pittsburgh.