Kavan Markwood, a 20-year-old, fell onto the field at PNC Park during a Pirates game on Wednesday and has since regained consciousness, as reported on Saturday night by Jennifer Phillips, who organizes his GoFundMe.
Phillips mentioned that Markwood, a former college football player, was in critical condition since being admitted to Allegheny General Hospital on Wednesday.
“This progress is a miracle, especially considering what he’s gone through since that night,” Phillips stated on the GoFundMe page. “There’s still a long road ahead, but today gives us a glimmer of hope.”
“We appreciate all the prayers, support, and kindness,” she continued. “Please keep him in your thoughts as he starts this next phase of recovery.”
The GoFundMe established for Markwood has collected over $28,000 following the incident.
Bob Nutting, the Pirates Chairman, expressed his sorrow in a statement, saying, “We’re devastated. Pirates baseball is a community, and our fans are like family. It’s times like these that we must unite, support one another, and keep him and his family in our prayers.”
Nutting urged fans to pray for Markwood and his loved ones as well.
The incident is under investigation, and the Pirates have interviewed fans while reviewing credit card transactions of those in Markwood’s group.
They determined that Markwood didn’t purchase alcohol at the game but had consumed two beers purchased by others, according to reports.
Witnesses provided conflicting accounts regarding Markwood’s behavior before the fall, with some saying he appeared intoxicated. Others insisted he was acting normally until he celebrated a hit by outfielder Andrew McCutchen.
Pittsburgh Public Safety is treating the fall as an accident.
