A former #collegefootball player has been identified as the victim of the terrible fall at PNC Park.

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the charged atmosphere of a late-inning comeback attempt should have made April 30, 2025, a night to remember for fans at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Instead, it will be remembered for a terrifying accident that stunned players, spectators, and millions across the country: a fan fell over the outfield railing onto the warning track in a horrifying moment that halted the game and left the crowd in stunned silence. Days later, that fan has been identified as 20-year-old Kavan Markwood, a former college football linebacker with dreams, promise, and an entire life ahead of him.

The fall, which occurred during the bottom of the seventh inning in a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs, was both sudden and deeply unsettling. As Andrew McCutchen ripped a go-ahead double into the gap, igniting a rally and the home crowd, Markwood—according to eyewitnesses—was celebrating the moment in unbridled enthusiasm. In that excitement, he climbed or leaned over a 3-foot-high railing atop the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall in right field and fell to the ground below.

Emergency personnel raced to the scene. Players from both teams immediately signaled for help. Pirates teammates rushed toward the outfield warning track where Markwood lay motionless. The stadium’s noise dissolved into tense quiet as medical teams arrived. Markwood was stretchered off the field and taken directly to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition.

Kavan Markwood’s story is one of passion, grit, and quiet impact. A graduate of South Allegheny High School in western Pennsylvania, Markwood had always stood out—on the field and in the locker room. As a senior, he earned MVP honors for the Gladiators, anchoring their defense as a hard-hitting, relentless linebacker. His leadership and work ethic were praised by coaches and teammates alike.

After high school, Markwood continued his football journey at Walsh University before transferring to Wheeling University in West Virginia. While his time on the college gridiron was relatively brief—he eventually left the team to pursue work and other opportunities—his presence made a lasting impression.

“He was the type of teammate who’d do anything for you,” a former Wheeling teammate said. “Quiet guy, but tough as nails. Kavan was someone you could rely on.”

Though Markwood moved away from organized football, he carried the sport’s values with him: accountability, discipline, resilience. Friends say he remained physically active and was always up for tossing a ball, watching games, and mentoring younger players from his hometown.

It was supposed to be a fun evening. According to preliminary reports, Markwood attended the Pirates-Cubs game with friends. Witnesses say he had consumed two beers—purchased by others, not himself—before the incident. A Pirates internal review later confirmed that Markwood did not violate alcohol policies and had not purchased drinks on his own.

Accounts of his behavior before the fall differ slightly. Some fans described him as “excited but not out of control,” while others noted that he appeared to be overly enthusiastic in the moment, cheering loudly and engaging with fans around him. At one point, just after McCutchen’s hit, Markwood reportedly took off his shirt and poured beer on himself before slipping or falling over the railing.

He plummeted roughly 21 feet from the top of the Clemente Wall onto the warning track below, striking his head in the fall and suffering a fractured skull. The trauma was immediate and severe, but emergency responders acted quickly.

Pirates players looked visibly shaken. Some prayed. Cubs players watched in silent concern. Stadium officials cleared the area and halted play for nearly 15 minutes as Markwood received emergency medical care. A hush had settled over PNC Park—a stadium usually vibrant and full of life.

In the hours that followed, Markwood was stabilized and admitted to Allegheny General Hospital’s ICU in critical condition. He underwent intensive treatment for traumatic injuries, including head trauma and multiple fractures. For days, the public had little information about his identity or condition.

On May 3, Pirates officials confirmed the fan was Markwood, and his family later released a statement through friends, revealing that Kavan had regained consciousness and was able to communicate with loved ones.

“He’s awake and talking,” one close friend said. “It feels like nothing short of a miracle.”

Still, doctors have made clear that the road ahead is long. Markwood faces months—possibly years—of rehabilitation. Friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical costs and provide support during recovery. As of May 5, the fundraiser had already surpassed $31,000, reflecting the outpouring of support from fans, friends, and strangers touched by the story.

The Pirates organization has been deeply involved in supporting the Markwood family. Chairman Bob Nutting issued a heartfelt statement the day after the fall.

“We are devastated by what occurred at PNC Park,” Nutting said. “Our thoughts are with Kavan, his family, and his friends during this unimaginably difficult time. We are praying for his full recovery.”

Players echoed the sentiment. Andrew McCutchen, the team’s veteran leader and the player who hit the double during which the fall occurred, said he was heartbroken.

“I didn’t know what happened at first. Then I saw him on the ground and everything changed. Baseball didn’t matter. We just wanted him to be OK.”

Several MLB players across the league posted supportive messages on social media, sending prayers and well wishes. Markwood’s high school football coach said he was “devastated but not surprised” by the level of support.

“Kavan’s the type of kid who touches people’s hearts without even trying. Everyone’s pulling for him.”

The accident has also reignited conversations about stadium safety. While initial reports confirm that the Clemente Wall railing exceeds code requirements—standing at 36 inches—some fans and safety advocates are calling for reassessments of barrier heights, particularly in high-traffic or high-energy sections.

A spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Safety said the incident has been ruled accidental, with no foul play or substance abuse involved. Still, the organization is conducting a full review of fan behavior protocols and safety measures.

“We never want something like this to happen again,” the spokesperson said.

The Pirates have pledged to cooperate fully with any investigations and to take a fresh look at fan safety around elevated seating areas. They’ve also offered to cover any immediate expenses incurred by the Markwood family, though the family has not commented on those arrangements publicly.

The tragedy has cast a shadow not just over the Pirates organization, but the broader sports world. It’s a reminder that games are places of joy and celebration, but also spaces where accidents can occur in the blink of an eye. For many, Kavan Markwood’s fall is a sobering moment—a call for empathy, support, and vigilance.

Athletes from several college football programs have sent messages of encouragement, and some teams even held brief dedications or moments of silence during weekend spring games.

At South Allegheny High School, a banner bearing Markwood’s name was hung near the football field with messages like “We love you Kavan” and “#88 Strong,” referencing his old jersey number.

A former classmate wrote: “He was one of the good ones. You just knew he’d do something great. He still will. Just a different path now.”

As of early May, Markwood remains in stable condition and is beginning what medical professionals call “a promising but complex” recovery process. He is alert and interacting with hospital staff and visitors. Family members say they’re overwhelmed by the love and encouragement they’ve received.

“This could’ve ended so much worse,” a cousin said. “But Kavan’s a fighter. Football taught him that.”

Supporters continue to raise funds and awareness, using the hashtag #PrayersForKavan across social media. The hope is that his story can become one of resilience and recovery—perhaps even serving as a catalyst for positive change in how stadiums and fans approach safety.

In the coming weeks, more updates will emerge, but for now, the baseball world has paused to think about a young man who came to watch a game and left fighting for his life. It’s a moment that reminds us all of the fragility of life—and the strength of community in response.