JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man is in critical condition after falling from the stands at EverBank Field during a World Cup friendly match between the U.S. and Nigeria.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said Joseph Cuidy, 24, of Jacksonville, fell 42 feet from the third level of the stands in the 244 level onto the second floor concourse.
Cuidy was rushed to UF Health Jacksonville in critical condition and police said he was in surgery.
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Sgt. T.K. Waters said around 6:50 p.m., witnesses saw the man running up the stairs to section 244 in the south end zone.
They told the detectives it appears Cuidy (pictured) tried to stand on a seat in the top row and toppled over.
He landed on the concrete on the concourse below, in between two concession stands. Workers and other fans immediately rushed to help him. Police and firefighters were already inside the stadium quickly put the man on a stretcher and into an ambulance.
Police say their investigation is ongoing, but the incident appears to be accidental and they don't think anyone else was involved in causing the fall.
They said alcohol did not immediately appear to be a factor.
"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. 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," said Megan Keese.