“Can't sleep” - Pittsburgh Pirates fan who fell from 21-foot wall breaks his silence

On April 30, 2025, PNC Park hosted a Pittsburgh Pirates game. The match took a serious turn when a 20-year-old fan, Kavan Markwood, plunged off a 21-foot wall and sustained severe injuries.

Days after his treatment, the baseball fan opened up about his health condition. On May 7, he spoke about the unfortunate accident for the first time with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Though he feels "alright", he has been facing sleeping issues. He commented that he

"can't really sleep."

Markwood continued conversing, pointing out that he still experiences a "lot of back pain." He is yet to undergo a long healing journey. However, he is likely to leave the hospital around a week later.

Everything we know about the Pittsburgh Pirates fan's current health update

Dr. Al Philp, the Allegheny General Hospital Chief Medical Officer, provided information about Kavan Markwood in a press conference on May 7. As per CBS Pittsburgh, the young guy injured his brain, lungs, ribs, spine, and skull.

The Chief Medical Officer also updated that the Pittsburgh Pirates fan has "progressed really, really well." However, he will need more time to get fit.

He further said,

"He's at a point now where he's off the breathing machine, he's out of the intensive care unit, and he's preparing to move to the next step, which will be physical therapy rehab."

Recalling Markwood's journey of return to health, Dr. Al Philp added,

"Seeing him recover so quickly has really been gratifying, frankly, ahead of schedule from what we would have anticipated given the real severity of his injuries."

How did the Pittsburgh Pirates fan fall down?

According to a People report, Kavan lost his balance while cheering and celebrating a hit by Andrew McCutchen.

Viral videos on social media show him standing and excitedly rooting for the baseball outfielder's go-ahead double in the seventh inning.

The Pittsburgh Pirates fan stumbled down the wall and landed on the warning track. Following the horrifying fall, he was rushed to the Allegheny General Hospital immediately.

Jennifer Phillips, Markwood’s girlfriend's mom, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help him with medical expenses. She has already received over $51,000.

She also spoke with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, sharing the young Pittsburgh Pirates fan's journey. He lost his parents at a young age. In 2014, he lost his father, Scott Markwood. He passed away at 37. Angela Rachelle Lawson, his mother, died at 44 in 2023.

Jennifer reflected on Kavan's health and said to the outlet,

"It’s a slow, slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits."

Despite "plenty of obstacles ahead," he is marching forward. She further continued,

"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."

The Pirates fan walked a few steps on May 5, Phillips further added.

According to the New York Post, the Pittsburgh Pirates chairman, Bob Nutting, released a statement and commented on the unforeseen incident.

"We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night."

He further 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."

Nutting also commended "the first responders" for their swift action to provide "him with compassionate care."