Context:

During a Pirates-Cubs game, a fan named Kavan Mirkwood fell 21 feet over the right field wall, causing a 10-minute delay as medical personnel attended to him. Mirkwood, a 20-year-old former athlete from McKeesport, Pennsylvania, sustained serious injuries, including a broken neck, clavicle, and back, and remains in critical condition. The incident is considered accidental, and both teams' players were visibly affected, with some praying on the field. McCutchen, a player involved in the game-winning play, expressed concern and sent prayers through social media. Mirkwood's resilience is highlighted by his former coach, as he begins recovery, planning to speak publicly once released from the hospital.

Dive Deeper:

• Kavan Mirkwood, a 20-year-old fan, fell 21 feet from the concourse onto the field during the bottom of the seventh inning, leading to a temporary halt in the Pirates-Cubs game. Medical personnel from both teams, along with EMS, responded quickly to provide care before he was stretchered off.

• Mirkwood suffered severe injuries, including a broken neck, clavicle, and back, leaving him in critical condition at Allegheny General Hospital. Despite the severity of his injuries, he managed to take his first steps less than a week after the incident.

• The Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety has classified the fall as accidental, and police do not anticipate further public updates on the case. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support Mirkwood's recovery efforts.

• Players on the field were visibly shaken by the incident, with some kneeling and others saying prayers. After a brief delay, the game resumed, and the Pirates secured a 4-3 victory, with Andrew McCutchen's at-bat contributing to the win.

• Andrew McCutchen expressed his concern for Mirkwood and his family on social media, urging others to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. His message underscored the community's empathy and support during this difficult time.

• Mirkwood, a former All-Conference linebacker from South Allegheny High School, was praised by his former coach for his resilience and strength. His coach called on the community to support Mirkwood and his family as they face these challenges.

• In an interview with TribLive, Mirkwood described his injuries as 'broken everything' and mentioned his difficulty sleeping due to back pain. He plans to discuss the incident publicly after his expected release from the hospital in about a week.

• The Pirates and Cubs' matchup on Wednesday evening underwent a 10-minute delay after a fan fell over the right field wall.

• The incident, which occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning, saw a fan fall 21 feet from the concourses. Medical personnel from both teams came to the man's aid before he was eventually stretchered off the field.

• Here's the latest on the fan's status.

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• Pirates-Cubs fan falls

  The fan, identified as 20-year old Kavan Mirkwood from McKeesport, Penns., tumbled over the fence after Andrew McCutchen lined a double to center field. As two Pittsburgh players crossed the plate, concern turned immediately to the fan, who was motionless in the right field warning track.

• Video of the incident can be seen here. Another angle was released to CBS Pittsburgh on May 7 here. Viewer discretion is advised.

• Medical personnel from both teams ran toward the fan as Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Chicago skipper Craig Counsell came onto the field. According to CBS News, another fan jumped onto the field in the hopes of helping Markwood. 

• Markwood was placed on a backboard and stretchered off the field. Players from both sides looked visibly shaken, with some kneeling down and others saying prayers.

• The game went under delay for about 10 minutes before players returned to their posts. The Pirates claimed victory in the contest, winning 4-3 off the back of McCutchen's game-winning at-bat.

• Markwood took his first steps since the fall less than a week after he was hospitalized, but his serious injuries include a neck fracture. "He’s dealing with a broken neck, clavicle, and back so there are plenty of obstacles ahead," a GoFundMe raising money for his recovery states.

• The Pirates released the following statement shortly after the conclusion of Wednesday's game:

• "Tonight, during the seventh inning of the game at PNC Park, an adult male fell from the right field bleachers onto the field of play. Pittsburgh EMS, as well as the Pirates and Cubs athletic training team and other PNC Park personnel reacted and responded immediately an administered care. He was transported to Allegheny General Hospital. No further information is available at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."

• McCutchen reacted on social media after the game on Wednesday, saying he was thinking of the fan and his family and friends. 

• Truly hate what happened tonight. Cant 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 🙏🏾

• — Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) May 1, 2025 The Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety said on Thursday that the incident is being treated as accidental in nature.

• UPDATE: This incident is being treated as accidental in nature. The patient remains in critical condition at the hospital.
  
  Pittsburgh Police do not anticipate providing any additional updates to the public. https://t.co/sy5ML6bGoK

• — Pittsburgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) May 1, 2025 Markwood, a two-time All-Conference linebacker at South Allegheny High that played football at Division II schools Walsh and Wheeling, is in critical condition, according to Pittsburgh police.

• His former head coach at South Allegheny, Frank Cortazzo, released the following statement in response to Wednesday's incident:

• "Kavan is not only an outstanding athlete but an even more exceptional young man. His resilience, heart and strength are truly unmatched. Please keep him, his family and his friends in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this challenging time."

• On May 7, Markwood spoke to Pittsburgh news outlet TribLive about the incident, saying he hasn't yet watched the video of his fall. He told TribLive that he's "alright" and "can’t really sleep" due to his back pain.

• “Broken everything,” is how Markwood described his injuries to TribLive, also saying he plans to speak more once he's released from the hospital "in about a week."