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: Bryce Elder bounces back in dominant fashion while Matt Olson launches a thunderous homer in a spring training blowout for the Braves. The performance is quickly turning heads inside Atlanta’s camp as momentum builds ahead of the season. If this form holds, the Braves may be gearing up for a very dangerous start. 👀👇👇👇

Today was a lot better for Bryce Elder as far as results during spring training are concerned. Elder had a successful ramp-up during against the Red Sox…

🚨BREAKING: Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu reveals his true feelings after Venezuela’s stunning win over Japan at the World Baseball Classic. After crushing the decisive three run homer that flipped the game, Abreu admitted it was one of the most unforgettable moments of his career. The dramatic swing helped send Venezuela to the semifinals and left baseball fans buzzing worldwide. 👀👇👇👇

Getty (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) One of the heroes for Team Venezuela in their impressive 8-5 win over Samurai Japan on March 14 at LoanDepot Park…

🚨BREAKING: Six Yankees breakout candidates are making themselves impossible to ignore during Spring Training. Their performances are turning heads inside the clubhouse and forcing tough roster conversations ahead of Opening Day. If this surge continues, New York may be uncovering several unexpected weapons for the season. 👀👇👇👇

It’s almost never a good idea to read too much into spring training, but it’s hard for New York Yankees fans not to get excited about the…

🚨BREAKING: Cubs receive a Seiya Suzuki update after he suddenly left a World Baseball Classic game, sending a wave of concern through Chicago fans. Early reports suggest the situation may not be as bad as feared, but the team is watching closely. With the season approaching, every update now carries major weight. 👀👇👇👇

Cubs Receive Concerning Seiya Suzuki Update After World Baseball Classic Exit As the Chicago Cubs monitor their players competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, one of…

🚨 Big expectations for Ozzie Albies. The Atlanta Braves star has established a huge goal as he prepares for a bounce-back season. If he delivers, Atlanta could be even more dangerous this year.

The Atlanta Braves are hoping for several key players to return to peak form in 2026, and one of the most important bounce-back candidates is second baseman…

BREAKING: 👀 A statement game in spring training for the Atlanta Braves. Bryce Elder showed signs of a comeback while Matt Olson crushed a home run in a lopsided win. Is this a preview of what Braves fans can expect this season?

The Atlanta Braves continued their Major League Baseball Spring Training schedule with an encouraging performance against the Boston Red Sox, highlighted by a strong outing from pitcher…