New video of Pirates fan’s 21-foot fall shows what led to tragic accident

New video of Pirates fan Kavan Markwood’s fall shows what led to the tragic accident at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park during a game last week. 

The video, taken from behind Markwood, shows him sitting in his seat in right field, then appearing to jump up from his seat in excitement. His legs clip the railing directly in front of his seat, sending him tumbling 21 feet onto the field below. 

Markwood’s accident happened as he appeared to celebrate an RBI double from the Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen during the bottom of the seventh inning of the Pirates’ game against the Cubs on April 30.

The new video adds context to the fall, which Pittsburgh Public Safety is treating as “accidental in nature.”

Kavan Markwood takes first steps since fall

The 20-year-old Markwood suffered a broken neck, clavicle and back according to the organizer of a GoFundMe page in his name. He is recovering and took his first steps on Monday.

According to Jennifer Phillips, the fundraising organizer, he “has a long way to go” in his recovery but “seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits.”

Before taking his first steps on Monday, Markwood’s family said over the weekend that his condition was improving. His family added that he has “a long road ahead of him.”

Pirates fan who fell from stands is “tough kid”

Since Markwood’s fall, those who knew him have shared stories of his accomplishments, highlighting his impact in the community. 

Markwood, who played football at South Allegheny High School and graduated in 2022, is “best known for his resilience, strength, and kindness,” a district spokesperson told KDKA last week.

South Allegheny School District Superintendent David McDonald said Markwood is “just a good, solid young man.”

“He’s a tough kid,” he added. “He’s a fighter.”  

Pirates share update on investigation into fan’s fall

A Pirates spokesperson told KDKA last week that Markwood showed no known signs of being intoxicated at the time of the fall, but added that they believe he consumed two beers during the game. 

The spokesperson added that Markwood was with another male and two females, and credit card receipts show the other man legally purchased drinks four times. The team spokesperson said their protocols were followed.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is investigating the fall.