Baseball fan Kavan Markwood is speaking out one week after his terrifying fall from the outfield wall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
While recovering at Pittsburgh’s Allegheny General Hospital, the 20-year-old revealed in an interview with a local news outlet that he hasn’t seen the footage of the now-viral incident. Markwood was celebrating a big play in the seventh inning of the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs game on April 30 when he fell 21 feet onto the right field warning track.
Markwood quickly received medical attention and was reportedly in critical condition, but he anticipates being released from the hospital in roughly a week.
“I’m alright,” he said on Wednesday. “I can’t really sleep. I have a lot of back pain.”
Markwood sustained injuries to his spine, ribs and lungs, as well as a brain injury, and felt like he had “broken everything” after his fall. The hospital’s chief medical officer Dr. Allan Philp is optimistic about his recovery.
“I’m happy to say that he’s progressed well,” Philp shared in an update on Wednesday. “He’s at a point now where he’s off the breathing machine, he’s out of the intensive care unit and is preparing to move on to the next step, which will be physical therapy, rehab.”
Markwood took his first steps earlier this week, with loved ones expressing their gratitude for the healthcare professionals and first responders who came to his aid. A GoFundMe has also been created in order to help cover medical bills. More than $50,000 has been raised as of Thursday, May 8.
“It’s a slow, slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits,” read an update shared via the website on Monday, May 5. “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 update concluded, “Thanks so much for all the love, support, and good vibes. It really means a lot as he keep[s] giving his all to push forward. #KAVANSTRONG.”
Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen — who hit the two-run double Markwood was celebrating when he fell — sent well-wishes to the baseball fan following the game.
“Truly hate what happened tonight. Cant help but think about that guy, his family and friends,” McCutchen tweeted on April 30. “I pray tonight for him. Let us think about his loved ones and hug our families a little tighter tonight. I hope he pulls thru. May God Bless you all. Good night ????????.”
The team’s manager, Derek Shelton, also reacted to the incident after helping to flag down the on-field umpires. “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, [Cubs manager] Craig [Counsell] saw it, I saw it. We both got out there,” he said. “I think the umpires saw it because of the way it kicked. It’s extremely unfortunate. That’s an understatement.”
