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Pittsburgh Pirates fan, which fell more than 20 meters above PNC Park’s right field wall last week, took a positive step on its way to improvement.
Kavan Markwood, a 20-year-old ex-college footballer, took his first steps on Monday, though he still has a “long way to go”, per. Associated Press.
Markwood slipped over the railing in the first row of right field seats and turned several times in the air before landing on the warning track during Pirates’ fight against Chicago Cubs.
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Stadium safety and Pittsburgh Pirates Medical Personal Cart from a fan who fell from the stand on the field to an ambulance as Pirates fought against Chicago Cubs during the seventh round in PNC Park. (Charles Leclaire-Preferred Pictures)
Jennifer Phillips organized a Gofundme page for Markwood and gave an update about his recovery, in which he called the process “Slow … But to watch him up and move was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s mood.”
Phillips added that Markwood “deals with a broken neck, clavicle and back, so there are plenty of obstacles ahead.”
Pirates fan who shocking turned over the wall on the field identified as an ex-college footballer
“But he shows real strength and we remain hopeful for a smooth recovery. This will also require lots of rest and follow instructions from the great doctors, nurses and staff in the hospital.”
Markwood was rushed to Allegheny General Hospital’s trauma unit after the accident, where he was in critical condition. Players were visibly shaken, just like many in the stands when medical staff from both teams and EMS placed him on a stretcher and drove him off the field.
Andrew McCutchen, #22 of Pittsburgh Pirates, looks at after a fan fell from the grandstand during the seventh round against Chicago Cubs in PNC Park on April 30, 2025 in Pittsburgh. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Public Safety branded what happened as an accident when fans around Markwood said he had become excited about a Pirates’ rally during the game and continued to take off his shirt and pour beer on himself before the fall, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune review.
Markwood played for two Division II football programs, Walsh University and Wheeling University. He played at Wheeling in 2023 and performed in four games, according to the team’s side.
Andrew McCutchen, who hit a double just before Markwood fell, sent a prayer out of X.
A fan has run out of the pitch in PNC Park after falling out of the grandstand during the seventh lap of a baseball match between Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
“Had really what happened tonight,” he wrote. “Can’t help think about the guy his family and friends. I pray tonight for him. Let’s think of his dear and hug our families a little tighter tonight. I hope he pulls through. May God bless you all. Good night.”
When Markwood was angry from the field, Pirates and Cubs resumed their games, and Pittsburgh won, 4-3.
