Pirates fan who fell at game vs. Cubs speaks publicly for first time

Kavan Markwood, a Pittsburgh Pirates fan critically injured in a fall onto the field at PNC Park during a game against the Chicago Cubs, spoke publicly for the first time on what happened.

The incident occurred late last month, when Markwood was caught on video celebrating a play and flipping over a railing onto the home field.

In his first interview since the dramatic incident that made nationwide headlines, Markwood told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review he has “broken everything.”

“I’m all right,” he told the outlet. “I can’t really sleep. I have a lot of back pain.”

A GoFundMe set up by his girlfriend’s mother said Markwood broke his neck, clavicle and back. More than $60,000 has been raised as of Friday.

“I think when I get home I’ll just put ice on it,” Markwood told the Tribune-Review, saying he would speak more once released from the hospital sometime next week.

Markwood has not watched the horrifying video of his fall over the Roberto Clemente Wall, where he landed on the field during the Pirates’ game against the Cubs, the Tribune-Review reported.

The 20-year-old plunged two stories after celebrating Pirates outfielder and team leader Andrew McCutchen hitting a two-run double that gave the Pirates a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning.

Markwood appeared motionless before being rushed to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition.

More than 11,000 people were in the stadium that Wednesday night, falling silent as players took a knee.

Pittsburgh Public Safety said the incident was accidental, not criminal, on May 1 and did not plan on providing additional public updates.

The update from Markwood himself comes after his sister, Taryn Markwood, said in a statement Monday that her brother was breathing on his own, able to speak and squeeze her hand.

“To the Pirates and Cubs players, coaches, staff, and all who paused to take a knee in prayer during that tragic moment — your compassion did not go unnoticed,” Taryn Markwood said in her statement. “It brought a sense of unity and hope amidst the chaos.”

 

 

The South Allegheny School District said Markwood graduated in 2022 and was a football standout, with first-team all-conference honors and being named team MVP.

Baseball fans were stunned after a fan fell from the stands at Wednesday’s Cubs game against the Pirates

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

  • Sue Bird named first managing director of USA Basketball Women’s National Team
  • Thunder set NBA playoff record as they demolish the Nuggets to even series
  • 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremony locations revealed

Related Posts

BREAKING NEWS: David Ortiz Returns to Boston Red Sox as Co‑Owner — A Legendary Reunion That Redefines the Team’s Future….

In a breathtaking announcement that has reverberated from Fenway Park to every corner of the baseball world, David Ortiz, the Hall of Fame designated hitter and one of the most…

🚨 Orioles ALERT: At a “crucial point” in their young season, systemic failures have once again undone the team in New York. Fans and analysts are buzzing over missed opportunities, missteps, and what this means for the rest of the campaign. Every inning and every decision is under scrutiny as questions mount about leadership, strategy, and player execution. For Orioles supporters, the pressure is mounting — and the next series could define their trajectory this season.

Baltimore Orioles Face Early-Season Struggles as Adley Rutschman and Craig Albernaz Lead the Way The Baltimore Orioles have struggled out of the gate in the 2026 MLB…

🚨 Orioles UPDATE: Adley Rutschman just dropped a humbled truth bomb after the team’s recent skid, and fans are taking notice. His candid words reveal the locker room mindset and the challenges the Orioles are facing on and off the field. Analysts and fans alike are dissecting every phrase, wondering how this honesty will translate on the diamond. The team’s next moves and Rutschman’s leadership could define whether the Orioles turn their season around.

Adley Rutschman Leads Baltimore Orioles Amid Early-Season Struggles in 2026 The Baltimore Orioles continue to face a challenging start to the 2026 Major League Baseball season, having…

🚨 Twins SHOCK: Joe Ryan’s latest injury update has stunned fans and analysts alike. The severity of the news immediately puts all trade rumors involving the Twins on lockdown, leaving speculation in suspense. Questions about the rotation, team strategy, and season outlook are now hotter than ever. For every Twins fan, this is a pivotal moment — and the next moves could define the rest of the season.

Minnesota Twins Ace Joe Ryan Exits Early With Injury, Raising Trade Deadline Uncertainty Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan left Tuesday’s showcase game against the Toronto Blue Jays…

🚨 Twins Alert: After a slow start, Byron Buxton is now on an insane hot streak, and fans are absolutely buzzing. Every at-bat seems to defy expectations, leaving commentators and analysts scrambling to keep up. Some are calling it historic, others are wondering if this could carry the Twins deep into the season. The excitement around Buxton’s performance is spreading fast, and fans can’t stop talking about what’s next.

Byron Buxton Ignites Minnesota Twins Offense After Slow Start in 2026 Season Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton has been on a tear in the early weeks…

🚨 MLB World Reacts: Spencer Strider made his season debut in the Braves vs. Rockies showdown — and the reactions are unreal. Fans, analysts, and commentators are buzzing over every pitch, every swing, and every decision on the mound. Some call it a masterclass, others are questioning what this means for the rest of the season. Strider’s performance could reshape the Braves’ rotation and spark conversations across the league.

Atlanta Braves Seek Sweep Over Rockies as Spencer Strider Makes 2026 Season Debut The Atlanta Braves are currently facing the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, aiming to complete…