Fan's alarming injuries disclosed after plummeting 21 feet onto PNC Park field as a Pirates supporter
Pittsburgh Pirate fanatic Kavan Markwood, the 20-year-old ex-gridiron grunt, is grinding through his recovery after tumbling a staggering 20 feet onto the PNC Park field. That freaky incident left him with a cracked neck, back, and collarbone.
Jennifer Phillips, the organizer of his GoFundMe page, offered an update on his condition in a recent post. In it, she shared that he's already taken his initial steps since the harrowing accident, which took place during Wednesday night's game.
"The lad still has some mighty challenges ahead," said Phillips. "He's got a broken neck, clavicle, and back, so he's got more hurdles to jump."
Formerly a linebacker for Division II Wheeling University in West Virginia, Markwood is presently demonstrating remarkable grit at Allegheny General Hospital, where he was initially admitted in critical condition last week.
"We're all keeping our fingers crossed for a swift recovery, though it'll take lots of rest and guidelines from the brilliant docs, nurses, and hospital staff to make it happen," added Phillips.
The GoFundMe page to help cover Markwood's recovery expenses has garnered over 90% of its aim of $45,000 as of Monday night.
Markwood's fall occurred over the Clemente Wall in Pittsburgh's right field, during the Pirates-Cubs game. An alarming video shows the young man slipping over the 3-foot-high railing along the wall during the seventh inning, while shirtless and celebrating Andrew McCutchen's go-ahead double.
Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz pointed in the direction of the fall before others followed suit, prompting the game's pause. With players taking a knee around the field, the game ceased for roughly 10 minutes.
McCutchen, who looked distraught as he knelt on the field before the 20-year-old was evacuated, gave his backing for the fan post-game.
"Man, I am truly torn up about what occurred last night," tweeted the long-time Pirate star. "Can't help but think about that guy, his loved ones, and buddies. I'm praying for him tonight. Let's think about his nearest and dearest and embrace our families a bit closer tonight. I wish him a speedy recovery. May God be with you all. Good night."
Pirates manager Derek Shelton expressed his sympathies as well, commenting that the accident was "extremely unfortunate. That's an understatement" during a post-game interview.
Kavan Markwood is a 2022 South Allegheny High School graduate from western Pennsylvania, who played college football for Wheeling University as a linebacker in 2023. Currently, he's showing heart and determination in his battle back to health, overcoming his injuries by following the expert advice of medical professionals.
- Despite the challenging road ahead due to broken bones in his neck, back, and clavicle, Kavan Markwood, the former college football player, is demonstrating remarkable grit at Allegheny General Hospital.
- The general news of Markwood's accident during the Pirates-Cubs game has stirred concerns in the sports world, with players like Andrew McCutchen offering their support and prayers for his speedy recovery.
- As the GoFundMe page set up to help cover Markwood's recovery expenses nears its target, it's clear that the American football community is rallying behind the young man, illustrating the spirit of camaraderie that transcends the field of play.
