Pirates fan update: Promising news emerges on former CFB player who fell over PNC Park railing

The former college football player who fell from the top of a 21-foot high wall onto the warning track at PNC Park during a Pittsburgh Pirates game last week took his first steps on Monday. Kavan Markwood slipped off a railing and onto the field late in the Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs game.

Jennifer Phillips, the organizer of Markwood’s GoFundMe page, shared the news on Monday. “It’s a slow slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits,” Phillips wrote.

“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.”

On Saturday, Phillips announced that Markwood was “alert” and “able to speak.” She then said, “After everything he’s been through since the accident on Wednesday night, this progress feels nothing short of miraculous. He still has a long road ahead of him, but today brought a moment of hope that we’ve all been holding onto.”

The Pirates send their support to the former CFB player

Kavan Markwood played football at Walsh University and Wheeling University. His former Wheeling coach, Zac Bruney, told TMZ Sports that he left the program in 2024 for work, but the team hoped to have him back this fall. During the 2023 season, Markwood played in five of the team’s 11 games and recorded four tackles. Wheeling University is located in West Virginia.

The Pirates sent a message to Markwood after the incident. “We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night. It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced,” Pirates owner Bob Nutting said in a statement. “We are devastated. Pirates baseball is a community, and our fans are like family. In times like these, we must come together, support one another, and keep him and his loved ones in our prayers. We also want to thank and appreciate the efforts of the first responders who rushed to his attention and provided him with compassionate care.”