PITTSBURGH — A young man who experienced a severe fall from a 21-foot wall onto the warning track at PNC Park during a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs is now conscious and showing signs of recovery.
During the seventh inning of the game, which resulted in a 4-3 victory for the Pirates, 20-year-old Kavan Markwood tragically fell after slipping from a railing. Updates shared by a GoFundMe campaign organizer on Saturday revealed Markwood’s improving condition. After being critically injured and taken to Allegheny General Hospital, Markwood has shown significant recovery.
Jennifer Phillips, who spearheads the fundraising for Markwood and is one of his former teachers, expressed hope over his progress. “Considering what he has endured since the mishap on Wednesday night, this is truly remarkable progress,” Phillips wrote. She noted that although a lengthy recovery process remains, recent advancements provide hope for the future.
In support of his recovery journey, Phillips encouraged expressions of encouragement and contributions. As of Saturday evening, the fundraiser has successfully accumulated over $27,000.
The Pirates conducted an extensive internal review of the incident. This analysis involved speaking with fans present in the vicinity and reviewing credit card transactions of Markwood’s party. Brian Warecki, the senior vice president of communications for the team, indicated that while Markwood did not purchase alcohol himself, he did consume two beers during the event.
The group accompanying Markwood consisted of three other individuals. Credit vouchers showed that one group member legally acquired seven alcoholic drinks during the game. Meanwhile, witness statements differed. Some nearby spectators identified Markwood as appearing intoxicated, while others mentioned no significant behavior until he stood in celebration after Pirates star Andrew McCutchen’s hit. At which point, Markwood reportedly lunged toward a 36-inch-high railing, losing balance, and fell.
Pittsburgh Public Safety, encompassing the local police and emergency medical services, classified the accident as unintentional.