The mystery of how a Pittsburgh Pirates fan shockingly fell 21 feet onto the field is closer to being solved.
A new video obtained by a CBS affiliate in Pittsburgh shows what caused Kavan Markwood to flip over the outfield railing at PNC Park, a plunge that resulted in the 20-year-old sustaining several severe injuries.
In the clip filmed from several rows behind, Markwood is seen leaping to his feet in excitement after Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run double to take the lead against the Chicago Cubs in the seventh inning.
But as he puts his hands on the railing to brace himself, his hands slip and he lands with his stomach on the rail before tumbling over it and onto the field.
Fans in the row behind him immediately notice the fall and stand up to look over the rail as the video ends.
On the field, Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz was seen pointing in the fallen fan’s direction before both Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Cubs manager Craig Counsell alerted the umpire crew of the situation.
The game was stopped for roughly 10 minutes as Markwood lay motionless and was attended to by medical personnel before being carted off the field. He was transported to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition.
WARNING: Disturbing content
“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 said after the game. ”I think the umpires saw it because of the way it kicked. It’s extremely unfortunate. That’s an understatement.”
Jennifer Philips, who organized a GoFundMe page to help Markwood’s family with his medical expenses, provided an update Monday on his condition.
“Kav took his first steps today! It’s a slow, slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirit,” Philips wrote before sharing the injuries that Markwood suffered.
“He still has a long way to go — he’s dealing with a broken neck, clavicle and back, so there are plenty of obstacles ahead.
“But he’s showing real strength and we’re staying hopeful for a smooth recovery. This will also require plenty of rest and following instructions from the great doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital.”
On Tuesday, she posted to the fundraiser, which has raised more than US$46,000, “Please keep those prayers coming.”
According to CBS, a Pirates spokesperson said that Markwood didn’t show signs of being intoxicated at the time of the fall, but also added that they believe he consumed two beers during the game despite the fact that he is under the legal drinking age in the United States.
The spokesperson added that Markwood was with a group of three other fans and that credit card receipts showed that a man legally purchased drinks four times during the event and that stadium protocols were followed.
After police investigated the incident, it was ruled as “accidental in nature.”