A tragic fall during a Pirates-Cubs game at PNC Park has taken a legal turn, as a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man now faces charges for allegedly providing alcohol to the underage fan who plunged 20 feet onto the field.
What we know about the charges filed after a 20-year-old fan fell from PNC Park stands
On April 30, 20-year-old Kavan Markwood suffered critical injuries after falling from the bleachers in the seventh inning, reportedly while celebrating a big play by Pirates’ star Andrew McCutchen. The incident briefly paused the game, with several players visibly shaken, some even taking a knee as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Police identified Ethan Kirkwood of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, as the individual who allegedly bought the alcohol that Markwood consumed before the fall. According to a criminal complaint, Kirkwood purchased two 24-ounce cans of Miller Lite shortly before 7 p.m. and was seen on surveillance video with Markwood and two women, all appearing to be in possession of beer.
Roughly an hour later, Kirkwood returned to the kiosk and purchased another pair of beers, as captured by stadium footage. Moments before the incident, Kirkwood was seen walking toward the seating area with drinks in hand. Shortly after Markwood fell, Kirkwood was spotted handing a beer can to a woman, who then disposed of it, before he jumped onto the field in an attempt to assist his injured friend.
In interviews with police, Markwood’s girlfriend confirmed he had consumed only two beers and had not been drinking prior to the game. Kirkwood, in turn, admitted to supplying the alcohol. He now faces two misdemeanor counts of selling or furnishing alcohol to a minor. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 23.
Markwood’s fall left him with life-threatening injuries — including fractures to his neck, spine, clavicle, and damage to his skull and lungs. Remarkably, his condition is improving. "Seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits," wrote Jennifer Phillips, his girlfriend’s mother, on his GoFundMe page. “He still has a long way to go... but he’s showing real strength.”
In response to the incident, the Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety has classified the fall as accidental. Meanwhile, the Pirates organization has refrained from commenting on the legal proceedings, stating, “Our focus remains on supporting Kavan on his road to recovery following this tragic accident.”
Given the severity of his injuries and the height from which he fell, doctors say Markwood’s recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Also Read: Cubs call Matt Shaw back to big leagues after a short Triple-A stint and key adjustments
What we know about the charges filed after a 20-year-old fan fell from PNC Park stands
On April 30, 20-year-old Kavan Markwood suffered critical injuries after falling from the bleachers in the seventh inning, reportedly while celebrating a big play by Pirates’ star Andrew McCutchen. The incident briefly paused the game, with several players visibly shaken, some even taking a knee as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Police identified Ethan Kirkwood of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, as the individual who allegedly bought the alcohol that Markwood consumed before the fall. According to a criminal complaint, Kirkwood purchased two 24-ounce cans of Miller Lite shortly before 7 p.m. and was seen on surveillance video with Markwood and two women, all appearing to be in possession of beer.
Heartbreaking: The fan who tragically fell from an outfield wall at the Pirates game is Kavan Markwood a former college football player.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 1, 2025
He is only 20-years-old.
Markwood is currently fighting for his life at a local hospital.
Thoughts and prayers to Kavan 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/Q7JFYfmVHk
Roughly an hour later, Kirkwood returned to the kiosk and purchased another pair of beers, as captured by stadium footage. Moments before the incident, Kirkwood was seen walking toward the seating area with drinks in hand. Shortly after Markwood fell, Kirkwood was spotted handing a beer can to a woman, who then disposed of it, before he jumped onto the field in an attempt to assist his injured friend.
In interviews with police, Markwood’s girlfriend confirmed he had consumed only two beers and had not been drinking prior to the game. Kirkwood, in turn, admitted to supplying the alcohol. He now faces two misdemeanor counts of selling or furnishing alcohol to a minor. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 23.
HOLY SH*T: A Pirates fan was seriously injured after falling over the upper deck wall at PNC Park 😳
— Kicks (@kicks) May 1, 2025
pic.twitter.com/YkgY1MD8lo
Markwood’s fall left him with life-threatening injuries — including fractures to his neck, spine, clavicle, and damage to his skull and lungs. Remarkably, his condition is improving. "Seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits," wrote Jennifer Phillips, his girlfriend’s mother, on his GoFundMe page. “He still has a long way to go... but he’s showing real strength.”
In response to the incident, the Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety has classified the fall as accidental. Meanwhile, the Pirates organization has refrained from commenting on the legal proceedings, stating, “Our focus remains on supporting Kavan on his road to recovery following this tragic accident.”
Given the severity of his injuries and the height from which he fell, doctors say Markwood’s recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Also Read: Cubs call Matt Shaw back to big leagues after a short Triple-A stint and key adjustments
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