Kaban Markwood, a fan who fell 20 feet into the Pittsburgh Pirates’ home field on April 30th, was first published in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review on Wednesday.
Markwood described his back and neck injuries, saying, “I broke everything.”
“It’s fine,” he told the outlet. “I really can’t sleep. I have a lot of back pain.”
Set by his girlfriend’s mother, gofundme said Markwood had broken his neck, collarbone and back. As of Thursday, more than $58,000 had been raised.
An update from Markwood herself said her sister, Tallinn Markwood, in a statement Monday that her brother’s condition is improving. He can breathe himself and speak and squeeze her hands, she said.
“When I get home, I think I’ll just put ice on it,” Markwood told the Tribune Review, saying that he’ll be released from the hospital someday next week and telling him more.
Markwood had not seen a horrifying video of his fall over Roberto Clemente Wall at PNC Park.
The 20-year-old plunged into the two-storey two-storey after celebrating Pirates outfielder and team leader Andrew McCutchen. That Wednesday night, more than 11,000 people were in the stadium, but the player went to his knees and was silent.
Markwood appeared motionless before being rushed to Allegheny General Hospital in dangerous conditions.
McCutchen witnessed the fall and said the team prayed for Markwood after the game.
“To the Pirates and Cubs players, coaches, staff and everyone who paused to take their knees in prayer in those tragic moments – your compassion was unnoticed,” Tallinn Markwood said in her statement. “It brought unity and hope amidst the chaos.”
The South Allegheny School District said Markwood graduated in 2022 and is a football standout, and is named Team MVP, the first team’s all-conference honor and Team MVP.
Pittsburgh Public Safety said the incident was accidental and not criminal on May 1 and there was no plans to provide additional public updates.
