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What promised to be a night of celebration at PNC Park ended in tragedy. On April 30, during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs, Kavan Markwood, a young fan of just 20 years old, fell from a railing in the back garden, in full celebration after a double by Andrew McCutchen that put his team ahead.
The fall, from a height of about seven meters, caused him serious injuries: fractures to his neck, back and clavicle, for which he had to be hospitalized urgently in critical condition.
The incident was initially classified as an accident by the Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety, but further investigations revealed a crucial element: Markwood had allegedly consumed alcohol before the incident, despite being underage.
The stadium cameras recorded 21-year-old Ethan Kirkwood buying two oversized beers and handing one to Markwood. The Pennsylvania State Police, after checking the footage, charged Kirkwood with "supplying alcohol to a minor," an offense for which he has already been arrested. His preliminary hearing will be held on June 23.
Looking ahead
Meanwhile, Markwood is slowly recovering from his injuries. Speaking to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, he acknowledged the constant pain and difficulty sleeping. "I'm fine, but I suffer a lot from my back," he said. He has not yet seen the video of his fall, which went viral on social media.
His sister, Taryn, also spoke out to thank the gesture of players and fans who knelt to pray after the accident: "Their comion was a beacon of hope in the midst of bewilderment."
Beyond the shock, the case has opened up a new front of discussion around minors' access to alcohol at sporting events and the need to tighten security protocols at large stadiums. MLB is keeping quiet for now.