A 20-year-old man who took a terrifying fall onto the field at PNC Park in Pittsburgh is now “awake and alert,” according to an update on a GoFundMe campaign set up to help cover his medical expenses.
The man, identified as Kavan Markwood—a former college football player—fell more than 20 feet onto the warning track in right field during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs.
According to witnesses and video footage, Markwood flipped over a railing and landed hard on the dirt track, prompting an immediate response from stadium medical personnel.
The GoFundMe page was launched earlier this week, and organizer Jennifer Phillips shared an encouraging update on his condition.
“We are so relieved and grateful to share some encouraging news about Kavan,” she wrote. “As of this morning, Kavan is awake, alert, and able to speak. After everything he’s been through since the accident on Wednesday night, this progress feels nothing short of miraculous.
“He still has a long recovery ahead, but today brought us a much-needed moment of hope. Thank you all for your prayers, support, and generosity. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts as he begins the next phase of healing.”
Play stopped immediately after the fall, with medical staff sprinting to reach Markwood, who lay shirtless and motionless with visible facial injuries. Trainers from both teams assisted in placing him on a backboard before he was loaded onto a cart and taken to a nearby hospital.
Pirates star Andrew McCutchen had just hit a two-run double in the bottom of the inning, putting his team up 4-3, when players noticed the fan on the field and urgently signaled to umpires and stadium security.
The game was paused for around 10 minutes while emergency crews tended to Markwood. A video circulating on social media shows the moment he toppled over the railing and fell approximately 20 feet. TV cameras captured McCutchen standing on second base, visibly shaken, with his hands on his head. Several Cubs players took a knee during the incident.
Markwood previously played Division II football at Walsh University and Wheeling University. According to Wheeling’s athletics website, he appeared in four games during the 2023 season.
Following the incident, McCutchen posted a heartfelt message on social media: “Truly hate what happened tonight. Can’t help but think about that guy, his family and friends. I pray tonight for him. Let us think about his loved ones and hug our families a little tighter tonight. I hope he pulls through. May God bless you all. Good night.”
