Horrifying injuries revealed after Pirates fan fell 21ft from outfield wall and was left in critical condition

By DANIEL MATTHEWS and ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Pittsburgh Pirates fan who fell more than 20ft from a stadium wall suffered a broken neck, back and collarbone in the shocking plunge, it has emerged.

Kavan Markwood slipped off a railing and on to the field at PNC Park during the seventh inning of Pittsburgh’s win over the Chicago Cubs last week.

The 20-year-old took his first steps Monday but still has ‘a long way to go’ in his recovery after the fall, which left him in a critical condition.

Jennifer Phillips, the organizer of a GoFundMe page for Markwood, provided an update Monday, revealing that his recovery is ‘a slow slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits.’

Markwood was rushed to the trauma center at Allegheny General Hospital after the fall.

‘He still has a long way to go – he’s dealing with a broken neck, clavicle, and back so there are plenty of obstacles ahead,’ wrote Phillips, who once taught Markwood. 

The Pirates fan who fell 21ft from a stadium wall suffered a broken neck, back and collarbone 

Kavan Markwood slipped off a railing and plunged on to the field at PNC Park last week

The Pittsburgh Pirates fan who suffered a 21-foot fall is now awake, alert and able to speak

‘But 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 Monday night, the GoFundMe had raised nearly $41,000, more than 90 percent of its initial goal of $45,000.

As the Pirates faced the Cubs last Wednesday, the shirtless 20-year-old former college football player fell from atop the wall in right field – known by fans as the ‘Clemente Wall’.

He was tended to by medical personnel before being rushed to the hospital. Pittsburgh Police is treating the incident as ‘accidental in nature’.

Video posted to social media showed Markwood falling over the Clemente Wall before plummeting on to the warning track. He flipped while in the air before appearing to land on his head.

Following the scary fall, medics rushed over with a stretcher as he laid on the ground. He then received medical attention for about five minutes.

Pirates icon Andrew McCutchen could be seen with his head in his hands in the immediate aftermath of the incident, while Pittsburgh owner Bob Nutting released a heartfelt statement, saying ‘we are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken’.

He added: ‘It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced. We are devastated.

‘Pirates baseball is a community, and our fans are like family. In times like these, we must come together, support one another, and keep him and his loved ones in our prayers.

‘We also want to thank and appreciate the efforts of the first responders who rushed to his attention and provided him with compassionate care.’

According to Wheeling University’s athletics page, Markwood played for the Cardinals in 2023. He previously spent time at Walsh University.

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Horrifying injuries revealed after Pirates fan fell 21ft from outfield wall and was left in critical condition

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