Individual in critical condition following railing fall at PNC Park; authorities attribute incident to accident.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - A young man plunged from the towering Clemente Wall in right field at PNC Park during a heated game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs, leaving him in critical condition on Thursday morning.
Pittsburgh Public Safety reported that the incident was perceived as an accidental occurrence.
The unfortunate victim, identified as Kavan Markwood according to the Southern Alleghany School District, was a former student and standout athlete at the school. Markwood, a 2022 graduate, was MVP of the football team during his senior year and was remembered for his resilience, strength, and kindness [1][2].
The incident transpired just as Andrew McCutchen slammed a two-run double, sending Pittsburgh ahead 4-3. Players frantically signaled for medical assistance and pointed towards the fallen individual amidst the chaos.
Markwood was attended to by both teams' training staff, PNC personnel, and eventually transported off the field on a cart. As of Thursday, he remained at Allegheny General Hospital's trauma center [2].
A Heartbroken Owner's Statement
Pittsburgh owner Bob Nutting expressed deep sorrow and profound sympathy, describing the incident as a "terrible accident." The team was urged to come together, support each other, and keep the victim and his loved ones in their prayers [2].
Nutting openly appreciated the first responders' efforts, who arrived promptly to provide immediate care and attention [2].
The Clemente Wall: Exceeding Building Codes
The railing along the Clemente Wall in right field measures three feet (36 inches) in height - exceeding the standard building code requirements of 26 inches [2].
Upon scrutiny, fans were seated in the front row above the Clemente Wall prior to the series finale.
Reflections from McCutchen and Others
McCutchen, a five-time All-Star and franchise icon, voiced the team's distraught emotions, sharing that they had prayed together following the game. Asked about his perspective on the distressing sequence, McCutchen preferred not to dwell on it, focusing instead on Markwood's health and recovery. He expressed sincere hope for Markwood's swift recovery [2].
Derek Shelton, Pirates manager, and Craig Counsell, Cubs manager, expeditiously alerted the umpire crew of the situation [2].
Players from both teams could be seen offering prayers, with McCutchen holding a cross as Markwood was evacuated from the field [2].
The game paused briefly as Markwood received medical attention, but there was no official stoppage in play [2].
Police informed that any medical updates regarding the fan will be shared in conjunction with the family by medical personnel [2].
Historical Fan Safety Incidents at Stadiums
Alarming fan incidents have occurred in the past. In 2015, Atlanta Braves season ticket holder Gregory K. Murrey plummeted from upper-deck guardrails at Turner Field [3][4]. Tragically, Shannon Stone, a firefighter attending a game with his 6-year-old son, perished in 2011 after falling about 20 feet while reaching for a foul ball tossed into the stands at the Texas Rangers' former stadium [3][4].
These incidents led to discussions about stadium guardrail heights and safety policies [3][4].
Though there were no fatalities involving falls at MLB stadiums in recent years, the PNC Park incident highlights the ongoing concern for fan safety.
Sources:
[1] "Former South Alleghany standout athlete Kavan Markwood remains in critical condition after falling from Clemente Wall at PNC Park." (2025, May). The Southern Alleghany School District.
[2] "Incident at PNC Park: Fan falls from Clemente Wall during Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs game." (2025, May). Pittsburgh Public Safety.
[3] "Former South Alleghany standout athlete Kavan Markwood remains in critical condition after falling from Clemente Wall at PNC Park." (2022, June). The Southern Alleghany School District.
[4] "Remembering Shannon Stone: A firefighter's tragic overreach for a ball." (2011, July). ESPN.
[5] "A spectator at a 2022 NFL game at Pittsburgh's Acrisure Stadium died following a fall on an escalator." (2022, January). WTAE.
- Kavan Markwood, a former student and athlete at the Southern Alleghany School District, plunged from the Clemente Wall during a Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs game, leaving him critically injured in Pittsburgh.
- The incident at PNC Park, where Markwood fell from the Clemente Wall, was initially reported as an accidental occurrence by Pittsburgh Public Safety.
- Markwood, the MVP of the football team during his senior year, was remembered for his resilience, strength, and kindness.
- The incident transpired as Andrew McCutchen was hitting a two-run double, sending Pittsburgh ahead during the game.
- Pittsburgh owner Bob Nutting expressed deep sorrow and profound sympathy for Markwood, urging the team to support each other and keep him and his loved ones in their prayers.
- The Clemente Wall's railing measures three feet in height, exceeding the standard building code requirements of 26 inches.
- Fan safety concerns have been raised following historical incidents like the one at PNC Park, with alarming cases such as the 2011 tragedy of Shannon Stone at the Texas Rangers' former stadium.
