This is what happened when a fan fell from the stands during a Pirates game
When a fan fell from the stands at a Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs game on Wednesday night, May 1, a moment of euphoria at PNC Park swiftly descended into tragedy, raising concerns among players, fans, and his hometown community.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, a fan named Kavan Markwood, 20, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, fell about 21 feet into the right-field warning track. The event happened shortly after Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen’s go-ahead double.
Before losing his balance over a 36-inch railing in Section 142, witnesses told TribLive that Markwood had taken off his shirt and showered himself with beer in jubilation. Police, EMS, and team trainers were among the emergency services who arrived right away.
After being placed on a backboard for stabilization, Markwood was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where his condition is still critical. According to authorities, the occurrence is being considered an accident.
Behind the famous 21-foot Clemente Wall, which honors Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, the fall took place. Later, the Pirates organization pointed out that the railing in question goes beyond what is required by the construction code.
The people of McKeesport and the surrounding South Allegheny region came together in support of Markwood. Mike Brown, the athletic director at South Allegheny, described him as “a young man of character and a standout athlete,” praising his fortitude and quiet tenacity.
Frank Cortazzo, the coach of East Allegheny, agreed, describing Markwood’s tenacity as “unmatched.” Laura Thomson, a district representative, told TripLive that the whole school community supports him. She stated, “Kavan is a fighter, and he will need that strength now, but he has it.”
The Pirates organization was also affected emotionally by the incident. In a statement, team chairman Bob Nutting described the incident as “devastating,” adding, “It was one of the most trying times many of us have ever gone through. We are keeping Kavan and his loved ones close to our hearts, and our fans are like family to us. Similar to Doubs, the outpouring of worry for Markwood demonstrates how swiftly joy in sports can turn to anxiety and how closely communities, athletes, and fans are bonded both on and off the field.
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