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

🚨 REPORT: RED SOX POWER THROUGH WITH STATEMENT WIN, BOSTON TAKES SERIES AFTER 7-4 BATTLE as momentum begins to build and confidence grows inside a lineup that’s starting to click at the right time. What looked like a routine game turned into a tone-setting moment, with the Boston Red Sox showing signs they’re ready to push forward 👇👇👇

In such a short period of time, dare I say that Noah Schultz has really, truly, already arrived? It almost seems too good to be true, for…

🚨 REPORT: RED SOX DEALT ANOTHER BLOW, PATRICK SANDOVAL REHAB HALT SHAKES ROTATION PLANS as fresh uncertainty clouds Boston’s pitching depth and raises real concerns about long-term stability. What was supposed to be a key recovery now turns into a worrying pause, putting added pressure on the Boston Red Sox and spotlighting the fragile situation around Patrick Sandoval 👇👇👇

RED SOX HIT WITH SETBACK: Patrick Sandoval’s Rehab Halt Raises Fresh Concerns Over Rotation Stability The Boston Red Sox have encountered another concerning development in their pitching…

🚨 REPORT: RED SOX LINE UP BLOCKBUSTER STRIKE, SANDY ALCANTARA DEAL COULD REWRITE THE SEASON as Boston targets a dominant ace to anchor a feared rotation and instantly elevate their contender status. What feels like a bold swing is gaining momentum, with Sandy Alcantara emerging as the centerpiece of a move that could transform the identity of the Boston Red Sox 👇👇👇

RED SOX EYE BLOCKBUSTER: Sandy Alcantara Trade Could Transform Boston Into Contender With Dominant Rotation Core The Boston Red Sox have endured a challenging start to the…

🚨 REPORT: YANKEES QUIETLY EXECUTE STRATEGIC MOVE, RAIN DELAY DEAL HINTS AT BIGGER PLAN as New York subtly strengthens its pitching depth in a move that could shape the season more than fans realize. What seems minor on the surface is already sparking intrigue around the long-term vision of the New York Yankees, suggesting calculated intent behind every decision 👇👇👇

YANKEES MAKE QUIET MOVE: Rain Delay Trade Signals Long-Term Strategy as New York Targets Pitching Depth The New York Yankees turned an otherwise uneventful rain delay into…

APRIL BELONGS TO KELLY: Carson Kelly Ignites Cubs’ Offense with Dominant Early-Season Surge

The Chicago Cubs have found early offensive stability in the 2026 season, and much of that consistency can be directly attributed to the remarkable form of catcher…

🚨 MUST-WATCH CLASH: Athletics vs White Sox at Sutter Health Park — April 19 Showdown Loaded with Tension 👇 Pressure Rising: Chicago Looks for Answers While Oakland Sees Opportunity — Full Match Update and Viewing Guide

Athletics vs Chicago White Sox at Sutter Health Park – Full Match Update and Viewing Guide for April 19 4 The April 19 matchup between the Oakland…