Panthers release statement after accident at stadium on Saturday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eyewitness News is staying on top of the major accident at Bank of America Stadium over the weekend.

We learned on Monday that 22-year-old Sean Powers is still in critical condition.

He drove to Charlotte from Florida with friends to see the ACC Championship game Saturday night.

He was walking up the fourth-floor ramp as he was heading to his seat in the upper deck when he decided to step up on the railing to snap a picture.

That's when he lost his balance and fell over the railing. His mother said he suffered a traumatic head injury.

Frank Harmon was working nearby. "We saw him laying there. As we were walking out to come do our work we saw MEDIC, fire, all on the hill taking care of, doing whatever they needed to do to help the guy," he said.

It's news Powers' neighbors in Florida could not believe.

"It's sad that this happened because he really had a bright future," said Jeremy Rivera.

On Monday we asked the Panthers whether they plan to make any safety changes at the stadium because of what happened. They sent us a statement which read:

"The Carolina Panthers have always put an emphasis on safety and security at the stadium and have an excellent history on both since its opening nearly 20 years ago. It is our understanding that the young man jumped up on the exterior ramp wall on his way to the upper deck and then fell outside the stadium, but we have not received the police report on the accident. There are no immediate changes planned for the stadium or its operations at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean Michael Powers and his family."

Some fans outside of the stadium on Monday told Channel 9 they think the stadium is safe. "It's clearly posted in there not to stand or lean over the rails," Harmon said.

We've learned Saturday's accident is just the latest tragedy in what's been a tough year for Powers' family. " His dad passed away about a year ago at the age of 49 from a cerebral hemorrhage and the family, to have this happen again, is just devastating," said Phyllis Magliocca, a neighbor.

WSOC