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20-year-old Kavan Markwood, the Pittsburgh Pirates fan who fell more than 20 feet over the Robert Clemente right field wall at PNC Park last week, is making positive progress, according to his girlfriend’s mother. Unfortunately, based on the injuries she reports that he suffered, he is still facing a significant amount of rehabilitation before he will be able to leave the hospital.
In an update posted on Monday to an online fundraiser for Markwood, Jennifer Phillips wrote, “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.
“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.
“Thanks so much for all the love, support, and good vibes. It really means a lot as he keep giving his all to push forward.”
As of this writing, the fundraiser has raised $43,595 of its $50,000 goal. In a previous update posted on May 3, Phillips wrote that Markwood was “awake, alert, and able to speak,” adding that “this progress feels nothing short of miraculous.” He was reportedly still in critical condition as of last Thursday morning.
Last week, Pittsburgh Public Safety officials stated that the incident was being treated as “accidental in nature.” Following the fall from the stands, Kavan Markwood was immediately treated by Pittsburgh EMS and the athletic trainers and medical staffs of the Pirates and Cubs for approximately five minutes before being put on a stretcher, taken by cart from the playing field, and then transported to the trauma center at Allegheny General Hospital.
Markwood was the MVP of his football team at South Allegheny High School outside of Pittsburgh. He would go to play linebacker for Wheeling University in 2023 after attending Walsh University.