Man critically hurt in fall from bleachers at Pirates-Cubs game is identified
The baseball fan critically hurt in a 20-foot fall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh has been identified as Kavan Markwood.
Markwood fell from the bleachers onto the field during the seventh inning of the Pirates-Cubs game on Wednesday night, officials said. The game was briefly halted as emergency crews responded.
The Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety said the "incident is being treated as accidental."
As of Thursday, Markwood remained in critical condition, according to the department of public safety.
A family statement on Saturday said Markwood is making "remarkable progress," had been extubated and was responsive.
"Now that I can finally breathe a little easier, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has shown unwavering support during this unimaginable time," his sister Taryn Markwood said Saturday.
The statement added, "The outpouring of support from across the country has been truly humbling. From our family to yours—thank you. We feel every prayer, every word of encouragement, and every act of kindness. We are not alone, and for that, we are eternally grateful."
Kavan Markwood previously attended Walsh University in Ohio.
"The Walsh University community was deeply saddened to learn about the tragic accident involving former student Kavan Markwood," the university said in a statement. "Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with him, his family, and friends during this very difficult time. We are hoping and praying for a full recovery."
After attending Walsh, he transferred to Wheeling University in West Virginia, where he was a member of the football team in 2023.
"The Wheeling University Community is heartbroken," the university said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Kavan, his family, friends, and all his loved ones. The Cardinal family is praying for a full and speedy recovery."
Amy Thompson, who was sitting next to Markwood at the game, told Pittsburgh ABC affiliate WTAE, "As he jumped out of his seat to celebrate, it appeared that he had his hands on the fence in front of us, which I had done several times during the game, as well. I think the momentum from him jumping up in his seat and the way he grabbed the rail just seemed like he catapulted himself over the railing."
"To be right next to him in the chair and see him go over the railing, that was just shocking," she said.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton said he also saw the fall as it happened.
"The fact of how it went down. And then laying motionless, while a play is going on ... it's extremely unfortunate. I mean, that's an understatement," he told reporters after the game.
Shelton said he wanted to ask "everybody to keep him in their prayers."
ABC News' Alexandra Faul, Matthew Holroyd and Victoria Beaule contributed to this report.
