The fan who fell from the stands onto the Pittsburgh Pirates' home field last week is improving at a hospital, his sister said Monday.
The two-story fall on Wednesday left Kavan Markwood, 20, in critical condition, but his condition has been upgraded, and he recently spoke his sister's name.
"I’m incredibly thankful to share that Kav is making remarkable progress," Taryn Markwood said in a statement Monday. "He was extubated this morning, was able to say my name, and even squeezed my hand. These small victories are monumental for us."
Extubation is the process of removing breathing tubes and disconnecting patients from ventilators, leaving them to breathe on their own.
Kavan Markwood plunged 20 feet over the Roberto Clemente Wall at PNC Park and onto the playing field during the seventh inning as the Pirates took on the Chicago Cubs. He appeared motionless on the field before first responders rushed him to the hospital.
Markwood was taken to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition, a spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Safety said Wednesday. By Thursday, his condition had been upgraded to "serious," a spokesperson for the South Allegheny School District said in a statement.
The district identified Markwood as a standout high school football player who graduated from South Allegheny High School in 2022. He was named team MVP and earned first-team all-conference honors.
Onlookers watched in shock as Markwood tumbled in the air before he crashed onto the field. Fans who witnessed the accident said they didn't know whether he jumped or fell, and fans on social media said the more than 11,000 people in the stadium fell silent as the players took a knee.
Taryn Markwood said her brother has a lot of healing and recovery ahead.
"While Kav’s journey is far from over, we are hopeful," she said. "Your continued prayers and positive thoughts are needed and cherished more than ever."
His sister thanked supporters from across the country, contributors to an online fundraiser, first responders who swiftly stabilized her brother and hospital staff members who helped him progress.
"To the Pirates and Cubs players, coaches, staff, and all who paused to take a knee in prayer during that tragic moment—your compassion did not go unnoticed," she said. "It brought a sense of unity and hope amidst the chaos."
Law enforcement is investigating, but the fall is believed to have been an accidental, not a criminal, act, Pittsburgh Public Safety said in a statement.
Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen witnessed the fall.
"We're devastated of the situation that took place yesterday," McCutchen said Thursday. "So we all came in here together as a team after the game and said a prayer for him. We hope the best for him and his family."
