A 20-year-old former college football linebacker, Kavan Markwood, remains in critical condition after a shocking 21-foot fall from the outfield wall at PNC Park during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ April 30 game against the Chicago Cubs.
The game was halted for nearly 10 minutes as medical teams rushed to his aid, and the Pirates organization, fellow players, and the South Allegheny community have rallied in prayers and support for his recovery.
Who Is Kavan Markwood? Former College Football Linebacker Fighting for His Life
Markwood graduated in 2022 from South Allegheny High School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he was named the football team’s Most Valuable Player and earned all-conference honors as a senior.
Heartbreaking: The fan who tragically fell from an outfield wall at the Pirates game is Kavan Markwood a former college football player.
He is only 20-years-old.
Markwood is currently fighting for his life at a local hospital.
Thoughts and prayers to Kavan 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/Q7JFYfmVHk
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 1, 2025
He went on to join the Division II Walsh University football program in Ohio before transferring to fellow-D-II school Wheeling University in West Virginia. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in five games and recorded multiple tackles.
“Kavan is best known for his resilience, strength, and kindness,” South Allegheny District spokesperson Laura Thomson said. “He is a friend to all—someone who lifts others up and faces challenges with courage and grace.”
Markwood’s former high school superintendent, David McDonald, confirmed that the school district has been in constant communication with his family and medical staff.
“There are some positive signs that he is responding to treatment, but he’s fighting for his life right now,” McDonald told news agencies.
Friends and teammates describe him as a dedicated athlete whose work ethic and team spirit extended far beyond the gridiron, making him a beloved figure in his hometown community.
The incident occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning of the April 30 game between the Pirates and the Cubs, moments after Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run double to put Pittsburgh ahead.
In celebration, witnesses say Markwood removed his shirt and poured beer on himself before stumbling over the three-foot railing of the Clemente Wall and falling onto the warning track below.
Emergency personnel, including on-site trainers and Pittsburgh EMS, immediately attended to him before transporting him to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fractured skull and remains in critical care.
Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting released a statement expressing the organization’s sorrow.
“We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night,” he said, adding that the team’s thoughts and prayers are with Kavan and his loved ones.
Players were visibly shaken on the field—several were seen kneeling and praying as first responders worked, and the stadium fell into a hushed silence during the delay. Pittsburgh Public Safety has confirmed the fall is being treated as accidental in nature, urging fans to keep Markwood in their thoughts as he battles for his life.
South Allegheny officials have organized a candlelight vigil and a fundraiser to support the Markwood family’s medical expenses, underscoring the close-knit bonds that define the district. Teammates from Walsh and Wheeling have also sent messages of encouragement, recalling his leadership both on and off the field.
