Fan In Critical Condition After Falling From Stands At U.S. Soccer Game

A man is in critical condition after falling from the stands at Everbank Field during an exhibition game between the United States and Nigeria on Saturday night.

Joseph Cuidy, 24, fell 42 feet from the third level of the stands onto the second level concourse, according to news4jax.com, citing Jacksonville, Fla., officials. Cuidy was rushed to UF Health Jacksonville and immediately underwent surgery.

Witnesses said they saw Cuidy running up the stairs to section 244 in the south endzone, and said he tried to stand on a seat in the top row and toppled over the railing. Cuidy landed on the concrete concourse below, in between two concession stands.

“We were just walking out of the stadium with a big crowd when all of a sudden, I just happened to be looking in the right direction when a person just fell from the upper concourse and hit the concrete,” Megan Keese said. “We heard this horrifying noise then there was a big crowd of people around him. Just a lot of yelling, people tell us to stay back.”

Officials said the investigation is ongoing, but that the incident appeared to be accidental. Alcohol use did not immediately appear to be a factor.