WXIA-TV

ATLANTA

Investigators said alcohol was likely a factor in the death of a 25-year-old Atlanta Braves fan who died after falling 150 feet down a stairwell at Turner Field near the end of Wednesday night's game against the New York Mets.

Authorities identified the victim as Justin Hayes of Cumming. According to police, Hayes was sliding down a handrail at the Club Level when he lost his balance and fell four levels down to the landing of a stairwell on the field level.

"We do think that alcohol played a factor in it and our hearts go out to the family and it was just a bad situation," said Ron Campbell of the Atlanta Police Department.

Hayes later died from severe head injuries at Grady Memorial Hospital. He is the third victim of a stadium fall in the U.S. in the past six months. Just more than a month ago, the New York Mets, which were playing at Turner Field Wednesday night, lost a fan to a fall down an escalator at Shea Stadium.

"It's very rare but what we want people to keep in mind [is] the way those building are built you come there to attend [the game], to have a good time but you also have to be cautious as to what's going on," said Campbell.

The Braves team issued the following statement regarding the fatal fall:

The Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Police Department are investigating the tragic accident that resulted in the death of a 25-year old male fan at last night's game. Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

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