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

🚨 TRADE REVISITED: The Minnesota Twins May Have Won More Than Expected in the Jake Cave Deal 🚨 What once looked like a one-sided move is starting to shift as the New York Yankees see regression from the pitcher they received. Meanwhile, Jake Cave’s value continues to age better than many predicted. As performances even out, this trade is becoming far more balanced—and maybe even a quiet win for Minnesota. 👀

Back in March 2018, a relatively quiet trade between the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins didn’t generate major headlines at the time. But years later,…

🚨 INJURY UPDATE: Ha-Seong Kim Recovery Brings Unexpected Boost for the Atlanta Braves 🚨 The latest update on Kim’s injury is more encouraging than expected, opening the door for multiple key players to make their season debuts sooner rather than later. It’s a potential turning point for Atlanta as they look to strengthen depth and regain momentum. If timelines hold, the Braves could be getting reinforcements right when they need them most. 👀

The Atlanta Braves continue to dominate early in the 2026 MLB season, entering April 27 with the best record in baseball. But while their on-field performance has…

🚨 NO FILTER: Pete Alonso Speaks Candidly on Why He Chose the Baltimore Orioles in Free Agency 🚨 After months of speculation, Alonso didn’t hold back when explaining his decision to leave and start a new chapter. It wasn’t just about money—it was about vision, culture, and believing in what the Orioles are building. His honest words are already turning heads, and fans are seeing a side of this move that goes far deeper than expected. 👀

The 2026 MLB offseason featured one of the most intriguing free-agent storylines in recent memory, centered around power-hitting first baseman Pete Alonso. Known for his elite home…

Rangers Loss Exposes Ongoing Offensive Problem

IMAGE: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) leaves the field after pitching against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field. / Jerome…

“From Boston Hero to Boston’s Worst Nightmare: How Alex Cora’s Next Job Could Become the Red Sox’s Living Hell for Years — Winning Rings, Stealing Talent, and Haunting Fenway Every Single Season”

The Boston Red Sox have entered a new and uncertain chapter after parting ways with manager Alex Cora, but the fallout from that decision may extend far…

BREAKING: “My mother аlwаyѕ dreаmed of thіѕ рlаce…” – Freddіe Freemаn teаrfully reveаlѕ why he ѕtаyed wіth the Dodgerѕ for the reѕt of hіѕ cаreer….

іn аn emotіonаl ѕtаtement thаt left the bаѕebаll communіty ѕрeechleѕѕ, Loѕ аngeleѕ Dodgerѕ ѕtаr Freddіe Freemаn рublіcly reveаled the deeрer reаѕon behіnd hіѕ decіѕіon to dedіcаte hіѕ…