Introduction to the Incident
A man who fell from the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall in right field at PNC Park during Wednesday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs remained in critical condition on Thursday morning.
Details of the Accident
Pittsburgh Public Safety, which includes Pittsburgh Police and EMS, posted on X Thursday that the “incident is being treated as accidental in nature.” The man who fell was identified Thursday as Kavan Markwood, according to information supplied by the Southern Alleghany School District. District Workforce Development Coordinator Laura Thomson said in a statement that the district is keeping the “former student and standout athlete” in its thoughts and prayers.
The Victim’s Background
Thomson’s statement said Markwood “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.” Markwood was a 2022 graduate who “made a lasting impact” on the district community as an athlete and a “man of character,” and said he was MVP of the football team during his senior year.
The Accident and Response
Markwood fell onto the warning track in right field just as Pirates star Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run double in the seventh inning to put Pittsburgh ahead 4-3. Players began waving frantically for medical personnel and pointing to the man. Markwood was tended to for approximately five minutes by members of both the Pirates and Cubs training staffs as well as PNC personnel, before being removed from the field on a cart. He was taken to the trauma center at Allegheny General Hospital, where he remained on Thursday.
Reaction from the Team and Management
Pittsburgh owner Bob Nutting said the club was “deeply saddened” and “truly heartbroken” over what he called a “terrible accident.” “In times like these, we must come together, support one another, and keep him and his loved ones in our prayers,” Nutting said in a statement. “We also want to thank and appreciate the efforts of the first responders who rushed to his attention and provided him with compassionate care."
Safety Measures at PNC Park
The railing that runs along the Clemente Wall in right field is three feet (36 inches) in height, which exceeds the building code requirements of 26 inches, according to Pirates vice president of communications Brian Warecki. Fans were sitting in the front row above the Clemente Wall on Thursday ahead of the series finale between the two teams.
Players’ Reaction
McCutchen, a five-time All-Star and franchise icon, said Thursday that the team was “devastated," adding that they prayed together after the game. Asked to describe his viewpoint of the sequence, McCutchen declined, saying he is trying not to think about it and is more focused on the man’s health. “We’re just hoping for the best for him,” he said. “I hope he pulls through because he’s the reason why we are here. He’s the reason why we play the game. People that show their support so we can do something we love, partly because of him and because of fans. So, I just pray that he’s all right.”
Conclusion
The incident at PNC Park serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures at sports stadiums. While the accident is being treated as accidental, it highlights the need for continued vigilance and improvement in safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. The thoughts and prayers of the community are with Kavan Markwood and his family during this difficult time.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to the man at PNC Park?
A: A man named Kavan Markwood fell from the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall in right field during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs. - Q: What is the condition of the man?
A: He remained in critical condition on Thursday morning. - Q: Is the incident being treated as an accident?
A: Yes, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety, the incident is being treated as accidental in nature. - Q: What safety measures are in place at PNC Park?
A: The railing that runs along the Clemente Wall in right field is three feet (36 inches) in height, exceeding the building code requirements of 26 inches. - Q: How have the teams and management reacted to the incident?
A: The teams and management have expressed sadness and support for the victim and his family, praising the efforts of first responders and emphasizing the importance of coming together during difficult times.
