Steelers Fan Says He Was Poisoned By Bears Fans

By Jake Guidry in News on Nov 17, 2009 8:40PM

Pittsburgh Steelers fan Zack Heddinger is suffering from brain damage and blindness. Why this is pertinent on the Chicago scale is unfortunate, as Heddinger says the effects are the result of having been poisoned by Bears fans at a local bar following a 17-14 Bears victory over the Steelers in September. The Pittsburgh Channel reports that Heddinger, 46, has "basically been blind for two months," following the incident.

Heddinger said that he and his friends went to Kitty O'Shea's after the game and began trash talking with Bears fans. Although Heddinger doesn't remember much beyond that, he said, "Basically, I guess, my buddies had gotten into an altercation and they offered a drink as a peacemaker from what I understand." Heddinger was the only one of his friends to take the drink and shortly thereafter passed out and was rushed to the hospital.

Heddinger's heart stopped four times on the way to the hospital and doctors told his family he wasn't going to make it. Originally the doctors thought he had too much to drink but soon realized there was more to it and believed he may have been poisoned. Doctors have yet to determine what was in the drink, but believe it may have been spiked with toxic grain alcohol, antifreeze, or a kind of pesticide. He'ss currently undergoing oxygen treatments in hopes of regaining some of his vision and looks to return to his job shortly. Chicago police are investigating the case, but have made no arrests.