Kavan Markwood, the 20-year-old who fell over the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall at PNC Park during a Pittsburgh Pirates game, has spoken publicly for the first time since the terrifying incident that left him with multiple traumatic injuries.
In an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review published Wednesday, May 7, Markwood said he hasn’t watched any footage of the fall — and he doesn’t plan to.
“I can't really sleep,” he shared. “Lot of back pain.”
Markwood had been cheering on the Pirates from the right-field bleachers on April 30 when Andrew McCutchen knocked a go-ahead double in the seventh inning.
Video footage circulating on social media shows the shirtless fan leaping in excitement before tumbling forward over a three-foot railing and plummeting 21 feet onto the field.
“I felt like I broke everything”
“I’m alright,” Markwood said, but acknowledged the full extent of his injuries: “I felt like I had broken everything.”
The former college football player suffered damage to his skull, brain, spine, both sides of his rib cage, and lungs, per CBS Pittsburgh. He also reportedly fractured his neck and clavicle in the fall.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Al Philp, Chief Medical Officer at Allegheny General Hospital, offered a cautiously optimistic update. “He’s off the breathing machine, he’s out of the intensive care unit, and he’s preparing to move to the next step, which will be physical therapy rehab.”
“Seeing him recover so quickly has really been gratifying,” Philp added. “Frankly, ahead of schedule from what we would have anticipated given the real severity of his injuries.”
Eyewitness: “It catapulted him”
Amy Thompson, who was sitting next to Markwood at the game, described the fall as a freak accident.
“As he jumped out of his seat to celebrate, it appeared that he had his hands on the fence in front of us, which I had done several times during the game, as well," she said. "I think the momentum from him jumping up in his seat and the way he grabbed the rail just seemed like he catapulted himself over the railing.”
The game paused for approximately 10 minutes as players and fans looked on in horror. Players from both teams took a knee in prayer while emergency crews rushed to Markwood’s side.
“It’s extremely unfortunate. That’s an understatement,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “Even though it's 350 feet away or whatever it is, the fact of how it went down… Craig (Counsell) saw it, I saw it, we both got out there.”
Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen also posted about the incident that night.
“Truly hate what happened tonight,” he wrote on X. “Cant (sic) 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 thru. May God Bless you all. Good night.”
From critical to hopeful
Markwood was initially admitted to the hospital in critical condition. But within days, his family shared signs of recovery. His sister, Taryn Markwood, said in a May 3 statement:
“He was extubated this morning, was able to say my name, and even squeezed my hand. These small victories are monumental for us.”
Jennifer Phillips, the mother of Markwood’s girlfriend Alonna, has also been updating the public through a GoFundMe campaign set up to help with medical costs. In a May 5 post, she revealed that he had taken his first steps.
“It’s a slow, slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits,” she said. “He has plenty of obstacles ahead.”
Phillips added: “He’s showing real strength, and we’re staying hopeful for a smooth recovery. This will also require plenty of rest and following instructions from the great doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital.”
As of May 7, the fundraiser had surpassed $51,000 of its $55,000 goal.
Markwood is no stranger to adversity. His father, Scott Markwood, died in 2014 at the age of 37. Last year, his mother Angela Rachelle Lawson passed away at just 44.
A 2022 graduate of South Allegheny High School in western Pennsylvania, Markwood had played linebacker at Wheeling University after transferring from Walsh University in Ohio. At the time of the accident, he had been attending the Pirates game with friends—one of whom jumped down from a lower level to try to help him after the fall.
“We are eternally grateful”
Taryn Markwood took a moment to acknowledge the outpouring of support from fans, players, and the medical community.
“To the first responders who acted swiftly and skillfully — thank you for rushing to my brother Kav’s side, stabilizing him, and ensuring he received the urgent medical care he so desperately needed.
"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. It brought a sense of unity and hope amidst the chaos."
Taryn continued: "To everyone who has generously contributed to the GoFundMe set up for Kav — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can convey.
"We are not alone, and for that, we are eternally grateful.”
Investigation continues
The Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety has classified the fall as accidental. Officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police were seen inspecting the area in the aftermath of the game, but no foul play is suspected.
For now, Markwood remains in the hospital but is expected to begin physical therapy within days.
“I’m alright,” he told the Tribune-Review. But the road ahead is long—and painful.