Earlier this week, Kavan Markwood was present at the
Pirates against the Cubs match
At PNC Park on Wednesday, April 30, he experienced an unpleasant event.
A Pittsburgh spectator sustained critical injuries after plummeting over 20 feet from the seating area onto the field and was promptly taken to the hospital, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. Additionally, an inquiry into the event was initiated, as stated in a tweet by @PghPublicSafety.
The Pittsburgh Police Video Crime Unit (VCU) detectives are currently looking into an incident where a man plunged approximately 20 feet from the bleachers at PNC Park onto the playing field during a Pirates game. On-site, Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics provided treatment until they could transport him to the hospital in critical condition.
Following reports that Markwood was critically ill, Jennifer Phillips from South Park Township, Pennsylvania, initiated a fundraising effort on his behalf. As of now, the GoFundMe campaign has amassed over $32K, demonstrating the community’s backing through contributions and supportive messages for the wounded Pirates supporter.
In the midst of providing online financial assistance, Jennifer Phillips also announced some encouraging news regarding Kavan Markwood’s progress on Saturday, May 3rd. The organizer stated,
“This morning, Kavan was reported to be awake, alert, and capable of speaking. Given all that he has endured since the incident on Wednesday night, this advancement seems nothing less than miraculous.”
Phillips stated that Kavan still faces a “lengthy journey ahead.” However, she also indicated that his advancement represents a “ray of hope” for them. Jennifer expressed gratitude for people’s “prayers, support, and kindness,” and requested they continue keeping Markwood in their “mind as he embarks on the subsequent stage of recuperation.”
If you haven’t heard yet, Jennifer Phillips is the mom of Alonna, who happens to be Kavan Markwood’s girlfriend. She initiated a GoFundMe campaign just last week with an aim to raise $45K as of now.
Kavan Markwood was recognized as an athlete-student representing both Walsh University and Wheeling University.
According to the Pittsburgh-headquartered
TribLive
, the Pirates supporter who was hurt at PNC Park on Wednesday completed his education from South Allegheny School District in 2022. According to Laura Thomson, a representative of the school district, this individual named Kavan Markwood,
Everybody at South Allegheny would describe him as a diligent and exceptionally tough young individual. He possesses great fighting spirit. That resilience will be crucial for him right now. However, he undoubtedly has it.
Laura added,
He has made an impact on many people at South Allegheny. Being a close-knit community, he is well-known in every home here. Everybody recognizes him. He enjoys the prayers and backing from the South Allegheny community.
Later, Markwood played as a linebacker for both Walsh University and Wheeling University.
TribLive
also got in touch with Kavan’s former football coach, Frank Cortazzo from the South Allegheny School District, who stated as follows:
Kavan isn’t just an excellent player; he’s also an incredibly remarkable individual. His determination, spirit, and fortitude stand out remarkably. As they face these difficult times, please remember Kavan, his family, and his friends in your thoughts and prayers.
The president of Pittsburgh, Bob Nutting, issued a statement one day following the game where he commented,
We are all profoundly distressed and genuinely devastated following the awful accident that happened yesterday evening.
Nutting claimed that the event stood out as one of the toughest challenges for many people attending the game. He further stated,
Pirates baseball forms a close-knit community, with our fans being akin to family. During such challenging times, it’s crucial for us to unite, offer mutual support, and pray for him and those he holds dear.
Bob Nutting ended his statement by expressing gratitude toward the first responders. The Pittsburgh Public Safety department provided a follow-up report on the ongoing investigation and mentioned that they are considering the incident as an accident.
According to
the Associated Press
The senior vice president of communications for the Pirates, Brian Warecki, verified that Kavan Markwood did not buy any alcohol during the game. Nevertheless, it was observed that he had drunk two beers prior to the incident occurring.
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