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. 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 the fan.
The person 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.
The condition of the person hasn’t yet been revealed. 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.”
