Fan who fell to death at stadium during Packers-49ers game appeared drunk, police say

[TexasTowelie]

Source: AP

SAN FRANCISCO -- A football fan fell to his death from an elevated pedestrian walkway Sunday at Candlestick Park during the 49ers' final season opener at the San Francisco stadium, police said.

The death came just after kickoff at about 1:30 p.m. in the 49ers' 34-28 win over Green Bay, police said, and multiple witnesses reported the man appeared to be intoxicated before he fell to a sidewalk.

The death also happened the same day a railing collapsed at the Colts' game against the Raiders in Indianapolis injuring two fans who were leaning against the barrier above the tunnel leading to Oakland's locker room. It appeared both fans in Indiana escaped serious injury, stadium officials said.

In San Francisco, police spokesman Gordon Shyy 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.

Read more: http://www.nola.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/09/fan_who_fell_to_death_at_stadi.html#incart_river_default

[Kelvin Mace]

1. I will never understand why they permit alcohol

to be sold at sporting events.

Well, actually, yes I do. Money.

I wonder how many assaults, serious injuries, DUIs, and deaths would be prevented by banning alcohol at sporting events. Especially when your team wins "the big game" and suddenly you feel the need to celebrate by rampaging through the city and torching everything in sight.

[Nye Bevan]

2. What about someone who gets drunk in a bar then stumbles into traffic?

You could equally say you don't understand why they permit alcohol to be sold in bars. Posts like yours help me understand how Prohibition became a reality.

Why should the tiny minority of drunken idiots ruin it for responsible drinkers like me, who enjoys a beer or two at a sporting event?

[Kelvin Mace]

6. Uh, no

Bars are small affairs and you have people (bar owners) who have a legal obligation to not serve people already intoxicated.

At a sports arena there are just too many people to keep track of and drunkeness is far more rampant. I have seen WAY more drunk people at football/basketball games than at bars.

It seems to me, and so far the news reports back it up, that drunken rioting is now a tradition after the Superbowl.

I don't quite see the "tiny minority" argument when the riots are a common occurrence.

Nowhere in my argument do I advocate prohibition. However, I do believe that eliminating alcohol sales at sporting events and other large (5,000+) gathering would cut down on injuries, fatalities and property damage.

[shedevil69taz]

3. Just after kickoff

Means he probably didn't even consume any of the alcohol sold AT the stadium he was drunk at the tailgate party beforehand, so banning the sale at the stadium wouldn't have done anything.

[Kelvin Mace]

7. Good point

However, a review of of the news reports over the years find that post-game rioting at the Superbowl is becoming a regular event.

While I not advocate prohibition, I believe we punish alcohol-related crimes WAY too leniently.

I do not drink or indulge in any drugs, but I would much prefer to see marijuana sold at sporting events, than beer. I have never seen a marijuana-fueled riot.

[Archae]

4. Especially when you see the price of beer!

I went to Miller Park in Milwaukee about 5 years ago, and back then it was $7 for a bottle of beer. (!)

I seriously doubt the price has gone down.

[KansDem]

5. I often wondered what would happen if a DUI checkpoint was set up...

...where the fans exit the parking lot after a game. You don't pull out into the street until you've passed through the checkpoint.

I wonder how long that would last!

[Gormy Cuss]

8. Local news reports it happened before the game started

which suggests that he got drunk tailgating or even before they arrived at the Stick. Getting loaded before entering the stadium is rampant in part because the alcoholic drinks are so pricey. Banning alcohol sales inside the venue wouldn't change that behavior, nor will it stop the practice of sneaking in alcohol to keep the buzz going.

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Man-dies-after-fall-outside-Candlestick-Park-4797335.php

The whole alcohol fueled, macho posturing is deeply ingrained among certain sports fans, whether they're in the stadiums or sitting at home.

[Kelvin Mace]

9. Yes, someone else pointed that out

Alcohol abuse is one of the crimes that should be punished as severely as other drug crimes if we are going to be fair about it. Alcohol is far more destructive due to its tolerance. Even today, DUI is not taken as serious as it should be.

[Comrade Grumpy]

15. If we're going to be fair about it, we shouldn't punish any drug use...

...absent harm to others (or, arguably, severe harm to oneself).

[FrodosPet]

21. Exactly!

No harm (to others), no foul.

However, if someone causes an injury while drunk or high, 20 years minimum sentence, and life if someone dies.

And perhaps even if the U.S. finally gets universal care, people should exempt from coverage if their injuries caused by self-harming behavior like drunk or stoned driving. Otherwise, when we all pay hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for something that could have easily been prevented, then there IS "harm to others".

[Kelvin Mace]

22. Oh, I agree

I was taking the view that since it is the "in thing" to punish drug users with 20 year sentences, if we are going to keep those laws on the books then similar punishments should be handed out for providing alcohol to minors, DUI, assault while intoxicated, etc.

[warrant46]

10. Actually this happened on the way INTO the stadium

You know a little "Tailgating" action gone awry. The "fans" get highly lubricated and then proceed to "Stumble" to the venue

[timstephens13]

13. problem is...

it says this guy fell just after kickoff, so he was drunk before entering the stadium.

[JustanAngel]

11. We don't even know if he was intoxicated.

No one has noticed or even questioned the use of "appeared" drunk in this article; and the fact that this article is based on assumption, rather than fact. It is not difficult to determine if someone is truly intoxicated; yet, we are just to accept that he "appeared" drunk. There are many diseases, even reactions to legal prescription drugs, whose symptoms can mimic intoxication. Or it could be a railing did give way, which would be the reason for death, and has little to do with the condition of the person leaning on it. Perhaps, after alcohol toxicity results are in (as long as there are no chain of command issues) we may discover he was intoxicated. Until then, there is a harshness in the existence of and overindulgence of condemnation. Always ask yourself in whose best interest it is for the support of a particular viewpoint, in this case, that this man be vilified and made to appear "at-fault" for his death. Question authority.

[yesphan]

12. Bingo. ^

[warrant46]

16. Your Comment "We don't even know if he was intoxicated"

You are right the article is not first class journalism.

For example was he with someone? If so what did that person have to say about what they were doing before the fall?

The autopsy will show if he was under the influence of something.

Also if a faulty railing was the cause without intoxication, I am sure the California Personal Injury Trial Lawyers will have plenty to say about the unfortunate incident. To die at 30 years, due to fall is a tragedy

[Kelvin Mace]

23. Certainly true

but I am reminded of an old saying:

The race does not always go to the swift, but that is the way to bet.

[gopiscrap]

14. Gee what a surprise

they need to ban guns and alcohol from sporting event and includes concealed weapons

[warrant46]

17. THE NFL Policy No guns alcohol, backpacks, seat cushions or pressure cookers

http://www.packers.com/gameday/lambeau-field-a-to-z-guide.html

Alcohol

Alcohol cannot be brought in to or out of the stadium. Any person purchasing alcohol who appears to be less than 30 years of age, must present a valid I.D. The sale of alcohol is limited to two per customer, with all sales ceasing at the beginning of the fourth quarter. No alcohol will be sold to intoxicated guests.

Concealed Carry Law In Wisconsin

Regarding Wisconsin’s concealed carry law now in effect, the Packers, as occupant of Lambeau Field, will continue our no weapons policy and prohibit carrying firearms or other weapons on the property, including the parking lot.

Fan Safety & Carry-In Policy

Police officers are stationed at each entrance gate to ensure your safety while visiting Lambeau Field. You and your belongings may be searched upon entry into the stadium. If you elect not to consent to being searched, you will be denied entry.You further agree to be magnetically wand-ed for concealed weapons. Please be aware that carry-in policies may be modified from game to game as security levels change, and items permitted into the stadium may be determined at the discretion of each officer. Firearms and other weapons, bags, backpacks, coolers, umbrellas, duffel bags, large purses, fanny packs, obstructive banners and signs are all strictly prohibited, as are food & beverages, noisemakers of any kind, video cameras and still photo cameras with lenses over 12 inches. As a general rule, please leave all unnecessary items at home.

Fans will be allowed to carry in a clear bag that does not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches or a one-gallon, clear plastic bag. Additional clothing, blankets, etc. are allowed if carried in loosely or in an approved clear bag. Small clutch purses the size of a woman’s hand, measuring no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches are permitted, but subject to search. Small cameras, binoculars and cell phones are acceptable if carried in loosely or in an approved clear bag. Over sized seats and/or seats with arm rests or other attachments are not allowed. Prohibited items must be returned to your vehicle or they will be confiscated and discarded.

[gopiscrap]

18. they need to stop alcohol sales

and also install metal detectors

[warrant46]

19. They already have metal detectors read the Wanding by Cops part

As for beer sales--This is Wisconsin the place where they invented beer (and Cheese)