The Pittsburgh Pirates fan who fell 21 feet onto the playing field during last week’s game between the Pirates and Cubs is speaking out.
Kavan Markwood recently spoke with TribLive about the incident and provided an update on how he is doing. Markwood shared that he is hanging in there, although his injuries include “broken everything.”
“I’m alright. I can’t really sleep. I have a lot of back pain,” Kavan Markwood said, per TribLive.
Markwood told the website that he still hasn’t watched the fall, which occurred during the bottom of the seventh inning of last Wednesday’s game.
Markwood fell over the 21-foot Clemente Wall in right field and landed on the warning track on a play where Andrew McCutchen drove in a pair of runs with a double to center to give the Pirates a 4-3 lead. Pittsburgh went on to win the game by that score.
Markwood is on schedule to be released from the hospital in about a week, he told TribLive.
“I think when I get home I’ll just put ice on it,” he said.
A GoFundMe was started for Kavan Markwood after the fall. As of Wednesday night, nearly $52,000 has been raised for Markwood.
Earlier this week, a post on the GoFundMe page announced that Markwood has taken his first steps since the fall.
“Kav took his first steps today! It’s a slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits,” the update reads.
“He still has a long way to go — he’s dealing with a broken neck, clavicle and back so there are plenty of obstacles ahead. But he’s showing real strength and we’re staying hopeful for a smooth recovery.”
Kavan Markwood is currently at the Allegheny General Hospital, which is where he has been for the past week.
The Chief Medical Officer of the hospital said during a news conference Wednesday that Markwood suffered a brain injury along with injuries to his spine, ribs and lungs when he fell, according to TribLive news partner WTAE.
“I’m happy to say that he’s progressed well; he’s at a point now where he’s off the breathing machine, he’s out of the intensive care unit and is preparing to move on to the next step, which will be physical therapy, rehab,” Dr. Allan Philp told WTAE.
Markwood has been in the hospital since falling from the stands in right field during Pittsburgh’s win over the Chicago Cubs on April 30.
The 20-year-old is a former Pennsylvania high school football star who played college football at Wheeling University in 2023.
Kavan Markwood played high school football at South Allegheny High School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He was named first-team all-conference and the team’s MVP as a senior.
The Pirates shared a statement last Wednesday night about the incident.
“Tonight, during the seventh inning of the game at PNC Park, an adult male fell from the right field bleachers onto the field of play. Pittsburgh EMS, as well as the Pirates and Cubs athletic training teams and other PNC Park personnel reacted and responded immediately and administered care,” the statement reads.
“He was transported to Allegheny General Hospital. No further information is available at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”
Andrew McCutchen posted about the incident on Twitter after the game, passing along his best wishes to Markwood.
“Truly hate what happened tonight. Cant help but think about that guy, his family and friends,” the post reads. “I pray tonight for him. Let us think about his loved ones and hug our families a little tighter tonight. I hope he pulls thru. May God Bless you all. Good night.”
