A celebratory night at PNC Park turned tragic on May 1 when 20-year-old Kavan Markwood of McKeesport, PA, fell about 21 feet from the stands during a Pirates vs. Cubs game. The fall happened in Section 142 shortly after Andrew McCutchen’s go-ahead double. Witnesses said Markwood had taken off his shirt and poured beer on himself before losing balance and tumbling over a 36-inch railing.

Emergency responders rushed to help, and Markwood was taken to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition. Authorities confirmed it was accidental, with no foul play suspected.

Markwood, a former standout linebacker at Wheeling University, had stepped away from football recently but was praised as “a very good young man,” according to former coach Zac Bruney. His high school and college communities have rallied in support. One coach called him “a young man of character,” while another noted his “unmatched resilience.”Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said, “It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced.”
As the game continued, fans were left with a powerful reminder: “Kavan is a fighter… he’s going to need that strength now.”