'Thoughts and Prayers Are With That Person': Sidney Crosby Speaks After Scary Fan Incident at PPG Paints Arena
Photo credit: All Habs / Dave Williams Todd Derr WTAE
The festive atmosphere of the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the St. Louis Blues quickly turned tragic Monday night at PPG Paints Arena.
According to information reported by CBS Pittsburgh, a fan fell from the top of the 200 level of the arena, striking another person before landing below in section 100.
The incident occurred shortly after Anthony Mantha's goal, when the Penguins were leading 2-0 in the first period.
Emergency responders quickly arrived, and the man was transported to Mercy Hospital, located near the arena, with injuries described as critical.
"At PPG Paints Arena where fan fell from section 234 - Witnesses say man tumbled over multiple rows, head went through glass & landed in section below. Then saw EMTs load on stretcher. County dispatchers confirmed 1 person taken to hospital."
- Felicity Taylor
- Felicity Taylor
A dramatic scene that has shaken the Pittsburgh Penguins and their fans
While paramedics worked in the stands, the game was not stopped, but several witnesses said they saw people panic as first responders rushed to help.
"We saw a bunch of people scrambling over there... saw him taken away," witness Devin Voop told KDKA. "Obviously, I hope he's OK."
The Penguins released a statement expressing their support for the victim and his family:
"The Pittsburgh Penguins can confirm that an adult male fell from the upper concourse to the lower bowl at PPG Paints Arena earlier this evening. The individual was immediately attended to by Pittsburgh EMS as well as PPG Paints Arena personnel and has since been transported to a local hospital.
Although there is no further information at this time, the Penguins and OVG Management Group are closely monitoring the situation. Our concerns remain with the individual and his family at this time."
- Pittsburgh Penguins
Although there is no further information at this time, the Penguins and OVG Management Group are closely monitoring the situation. Our concerns remain with the individual and his family at this time."
- Pittsburgh Penguins
Even captain Sidney Crosby, who had just reached the 1,700-point milestone in his career, refused to celebrate after the game.
"We just heard someone fell tonight. it doesn't feel right to be talking about points... our thoughts and prayers are with that person. - Sidney Crosby
Personally, I find that this kind of tragedy reminds us how quickly everything can change. We go to the arena to share a common passion, not to witness a tragedy.
All hockey fans share the same thought today... that this man may recover and regain his health.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, and everyone affected by this terrible accident.
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