During the seventh inning of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ game against the Chicago Cubs on April 30, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at PNC Park when 20-year-old fan Kavan Markwood fell approximately 21 feet from the right-field stands onto the warning track. Markwood, a former standout high school and college football player from the Pittsburgh area, was celebrating a go-ahead double by Pirates star Andrew McCutchen when the accident happened. Witnesses reported that Markwood, in a moment of exuberance, removed his shirt and poured beer on himself before losing his balance and falling over the three-foot-high railing. https://www.wbng.com+7New York Post+7The US Sun+7
Emergency personnel, including team medical staff and paramedics, responded swiftly, tending to Markwood on the field for several minutes before transporting him to Allegheny General Hospital. He sustained severe injuries, including a fractured skull, and remains in critical condition. https://www.wbng.com+3The Sun+3Reuters+3New York Post+2The US Sun+2The Sun+2
The incident left players and fans visibly shaken. Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Cubs manager Craig Counsell immediately alerted the umpire crew, leading to a pause in the game. Players from both teams were seen praying on the field, with McCutchen holding a cross from his necklace. People.com+1The Sun+1New York Post+3https://www.wvlt.tv+3https://www.wbng.com+3New York Post+4https://www.wbng.com+4https://www.wvlt.tv+4
Markwood, a 2022 graduate of South Allegheny High School, had played college football at Walsh and Wheeling University before leaving the team to pursue work. He was attending the game with his girlfriend and friends, who were present during the incident. The US Sun+2New York Post+2People.com+2People.com
The Pittsburgh Pirates organization expressed deep sorrow over the incident, with team chairman Bob Nutting stating, “We are deeply saddened and truly heartbroken over this terrible accident.” Authorities have classified the incident as accidental, and an investigation is ongoing.People.com+2https://www.wbng.com+2New York Post+2The Sun+1New York Post+1
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety measures at sporting venues and the unpredictable nature of live events.
