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: Braves predicted to replace Raisel Iglesias with 102M 3-time All-Star NL rival with 253 saves

The Atlanta Braves have several roster decisions to address this offseason. Last season’s performance was a major disappointment, and this year the team is expected to enter with renewed…

Report!! Wild Braves free agent prediction could end up being Phillies’ doomsday scenario

Division Series – Philadelphia Phillies v Los Angeles Dodgers – Game Three | Ronald Martinez/GettyImages With the expected departure of Marcell Ozuna in free agency, the Atlanta Braves are…

The Second Coming of Willi Castro: Twins Reunion Rumors Swirl

Could the Twins and Willi Castro Reunite This Winter? After a breakout stretch in Minnesota and a rough finish in Chicago, the versatile utility man could find…

Rumors: Twins reportedly targeting former Mariners manager Scott Servais for managerial opening

Twins Interested In Scott Servais For Managerial Role Former Seattle manager Scott Servais is a candidate to interview for Minnesota’s vacancy, reports La Velle E. Neal III of…

REPORT: Important dates for Twins fans to know in the 2025-26 MLB offseason

A look ahead at the Minnesota Twins’ 2025-26 offseason. Seattle Mariners v Minnesota Twins | Hannah Foslien/GettyImages It was a rough 2025 season for Twins fans; they…

HOT MOMENT: The Baltimore Orioles are ready to stir up an off-season frenzy as they pursue pitching reinforcements

Baltimore Orioles set to ignite off-season frenzy with pitching reinforcements pursuit May 3, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde (18) makes a pitching change…