The Pittsburgh Pirates fan who fell 21 feet from the Clemente Wall in right field at PNC Park last week suffered a broken neck, back and collarbone during the accident.

Kavan Markwood, 20, was identified as the injured fan in a GoFundMe launched by Jennifer Phillips, who said he took his first steps since the fall in an update on Monday (May 5).

"Kav took his first steps today! It’s a slow slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits," Phillips wrote. "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. 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 accident took place right after Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run double in the seventh inning of to give his team a 4-3 lead during a win against the Chicago Cubs. Cubs fielders waved frantically to alert medical personnel and pointed to the man, who was lying on the warning track after the fall.

Markwood was tended to for approximately five minutes by members of both teams' training staffs, as well as stadium personnel, before being carted off the field on a cart. Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell both alerted umpires about the situation immediately after the accident occurred.

"Even though it's 350 feet away or whatever it is, I mean the fact of how it went down and then laying motionless while the play is going on, I mean Craig saw it, I saw it. We both got out there," Shelton said via ESPN. "... It's extremely unfortunate. That's an understatement."

McCutchen, a former NL MVP who spent his first nine seasons with the Pirates before returning to the franchise in 2023, also shared a post regarding the situation.

Community Access