49ers Fan Falls, Dies in San Francisco and other Incidents

NFL opening day means pomp, circumstance and pigskin. Unfortunately, it also means some fans have a bit too much to drink. And a few hurt themselves.

This mix turned deadly yesterday in San Francisco, where the Super Bowl-losing 49ers were hosting the Green Bay Packers in the marquee match-up of the day. It was a classic of an opener, with the 49ers taking a thrilling back-and-forth affair by a score of 34-28.

But unfortunately, there was also tragedy at Candlestick Park, which closes after this season.

The Associated Press is reporting that a fan, who multiple eye-witnesses said appeared intoxicated, fell from the Jamestown walkway, which goes around the outside of Candlestick, according to police statements. It was not clear how far the man fell from the walkway, plunging down to land on a sidewalk below.

A San Francisco police spokesman said off-duty medics and police officers gave the man first aid until an ambulance arrived, but he was declared dead from his injuries. Authorities said he appeared to be in his 30s, and his name has not been released. The incident occurred just after kickoff at about 1:30 p.m. local time, according to the AP report.

This was the most series incident of NFL opening day, but not the only one.

A railing collapsed at the Colts’ game against the Raiders in Indianapolis injuring two fans, the AP reported. The fans were leaning against the temporary barrier above the tunnel leading to Oakland’s locker room when it gave way. But stadium officials reported that it appeared both fans escaped serious injury.