Pirates Fan's Fall from PNC Park Bleachers Being Treated as Accident, Police Say

Pittsburgh Public Safety announced Thursday the incident that saw a fan fall from the right field bleachers onto the field of play during Wednesday's game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs at PNC Park "is being treated as accidental in nature."

The fan has been identified as Kavan Markwood by the South Allegheny School District, where he graduated high school in 2022, per Jenna West of The Athletic.

The Pittsburgh Police previously said they do not plan on releasing additional information to the public regarding the fan, who is in critical condition at the hospital.

The Pirates released a statement Wednesday revealing the fan was taken to the hospital after Pittsburgh EMS and the training staffs of both teams treated him on the field following the fall.

"The South Allegheny School District is keeping former student and standout athlete Kavan Markwood in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," spokesperson Laura Thomson said in a statement to The Athletic on Thursday. "Kavan is best known for his resilience, strength, and kindness. He is a friend to all — someone who lifts others up and faces challenges with courage and grace."

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting released a statement Thursday morning as well:

"We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night," the statement read. "It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced. 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."

The Clemente Wall in right field at PNC Park is 21 feet high in honor of Pirates legend Roberto Clemente, who wore the No. 21 during his playing career with the team. 

The incident occurred immediately after Andrew McCutchen hit a go-ahead double in the seventh inning. Players quickly started motioning to medical personnel when they realized what had happened, and the game was temporarily paused as he was treated on the field. 

Play eventually continued, and Pittsburgh won 4-3.

McCutchen took to social media after the game and said: "Truly hate what happened tonight. Can't help but think about that guy, his family and friends. I pray tonight for him. Let us think about his loved ones and hug our families a little tighter tonight. I hope he pulls thru. May God Bless you all. Good night"

Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Cubs manager Craig Counsell also alerted umpires to the situation.

"Even though it's 350 feet away or whatever it is, I mean the fact of how it went down and then laying motionless while the play is going on, I mean Craig saw it, I saw it. We both got out there," Shelton told reporters. "... It's extremely unfortunate. That's an understatement."

The two teams continued their series Thursday with the third and final game.