Braves ‘deeply saddened’ by fan’s death

Associated Press

ATLANTA

The U.S. flag flew at half-staff at Turner Field on Sunday, one day after a fan died following his fall from the upper deck into the lower-level stands during a game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees.

Mary Beth Hauptle, an investigator with the Fulton County Medical Examiner, identified the victim as Gregory K. Murrey, 60, of Alpharetta, Georgia. Murrey was pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital.

The Braves said Sunday they are “deeply saddened” by Murrey’s death.

“Greg was a valued and longtime season-ticket holder and an incredibly passionate Braves fan,” the team said in a statement. “This tragic loss is felt throughout Braves Country, and the thoughts and prayers of the entire Braves organization continue to go out to his family and friends.”

The Braves displayed a photo of Murrey on the video board and observed a moment of silence before Sunday’s game.

The fall in the seventh inning immediately followed the announcement of Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez as a pinch hitter.

Following Sunday’s 20-6 win over the Braves in which he had a pinch-hit, two-run single, Rodriguez expressed his sympathy for Murrey’s family. He was issued an intentional walk in Saturday night’s game as EMT workers rushed to Murrey.

“Sad, upsetting for sure,” Rodriguez said. “My prayers go out to his family.”

Lt. Charles Hampton of the Atlanta Police Department homicide unit said foul play is not suspected at this point. He said no fans were hurt in the 200-level seats where the man fell from section 401, landing close to an area where players’ wives and families sit.

Braves President John Schuerholz said grief counselors have been made available to players’ friends and family members who witnessed the fall.

“It’s just sad and we’re all dealing with the sadness and the tragedy of it for the gentleman’s family and anybody who happened to witness it,” Schuerholz said. “It’s difficult and that’s what our focus is now.”

A Braves security officer blocked an Associated Press reporter from entering section 401 on Sunday without a ticket.

Braves second baseman Jace Peterson said his girlfriend was close to the spot where Murrey fell.

“It was within 10 feet from her,” Peterson said. “So everybody whose families were here definitely experienced some part of it. It’s not good for anyone to see something like that.

“A lot of player families were right there. I heard some pretty graphic stuff. It’s not something I really want to get into. It’s just unfortunate.”