While a late drive in the fourth quarter that helped the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 34-28 made for an exciting start to the season, the fan base was left disheartened after learning that a 49ers fan fell to his death at Candlestick Park. The fall occurred shortly after the 49ers-Packers game kicked off on Sunday. The incident is the second serious accident to occur at an NFL stadium since the 2013 preseason began.
The fan, whose name won’t be released until officials have a chance to notify his family, is described as a male in his thirties. According to police on the scene, witnesses say that the man fell from a ramp to the sidewalk while walking with his brother. Alcohol may have been a factor in the accident. “Multiple independent witnesses indicated he appeared to be intoxicated prior to his fall,” a statement issued by San Francisco police said.
The 49ers issued a statement later today saying, “The San Francisco 49ers learned that there was a fatal accident outside of Candlestick Park prior to today’s game. We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time.”
Candlestick Stadium isn’t the only sports stadium to see such a tragic death. In August, a fan leaned over a railing and fell 65 feet to his death at Turner Field. Another NFL fan died in an accident last year in Houston after falling from an escalator.
Some sports fans on Twitter were shocked at the news of the accident during the opening weekend, while others offered up positive thoughts and prayers to the family:
Wow, so tragic. RT @rudykins: Fan dies in fall at 49ers' Candlestick Park http://t.co/0UNmHKspLB
— Curtis E. Flush (@metro_man) September 9, 2013
Big win for the @49ers but a sad day at the stick because… http://t.co/SNt8UdjOB1 Prayers to the family. @NinersFans support ya & are sad.
— Nacho Vega (@djnachovega) September 9, 2013
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