During a Pittsburgh Pirates game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on April 30, 2025, a fan named Kavan Markwood, 20 years old, fell approximately 20 to 21 feet from the stands over the Roberto Clemente Wall onto the warning track in right field
. The fall occurred in the seventh inning just after Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run double that gave Pittsburgh a 4-3 lead
. The incident caused the game to be stopped as players, coaches, and fans were shocked and distressed by what they witnessed
. Emergency responders quickly attended to Markwood, who was found motionless and critically injured. He was transported to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was initially in critical condition with multiple fractures including his neck, clavicle, back, and skull
. Markwood has since shown signs of improvement, becoming awake, alert, and able to communicate, though he faces a long recovery
. The Pirates organization described the event as a "terrible accident" and expressed deep sadness, emphasizing community support and prayers for Markwood and his family
. The team is conducting an internal review of the incident, including interviews and examination of alcohol consumption by Markwood and his group, though the fall is officially classified as accidental
. Players like Andrew McCutchen and manager Derek Shelton publicly expressed their sorrow and urged fans to keep Markwood in their thoughts and prayers following the traumatic event
. In summary, the Pirates game was interrupted by a serious accident in which a fan fell from the stands onto the field, resulting in critical injuries but with hopeful signs of recovery. The incident deeply affected the team, fans, and community
