Pittsburgh – The family of the university football player who fell at around 20 feet from the stands in a Chicago Cubs match in Pittsburgh provides an update on their health.
The baseball fan seriously injured during a 21 feet fall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh was identified as Kavan Markwood.
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Markwood fell from the stands on the field in the seventh round of the Pirates-Cubs match on Wednesday evening, officials announced.
The Pittsburgh Ministry of Public Security said that “the incident was treated as accidental”.
Although Kav’s trip is far from over, we hope. Your continuous prayers and your positive thoughts are necessary and cherished more than ever.
On Satuday, his family spoke for the first time to thank the public and provide an update on their health.
“I am incredibly grateful to share that Kav makes remarkable progress: he was extuated this morning, was able to say my name, and even shakes my hand,” said his sister Tarynwood in a statement. “These small victories are monumental for us.”
Markwood has already attended Walsh University in Ohio.
After attending Walsh, Markwood was transferred to Wheeling University in Virginia-Western, where he was a member of the football team in 2023.
Amy Thompson, who was sitting next to Markwood during the match, told Pittsburgh ABC the affiliate WTAE: “While he was jumping from his seat to celebrate, it seemed to have his hands on the fence in front of us, which I had done several times during the game, I think that his momentum made his siege and that he had caught the rail as he seemed that he had catapulturated himself.
Read the full declaration of the family below:
“Now that I can finally breathe a little more easily, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have shown unwavering support during this unimaginable period.
To the first speakers who acted quickly and skillfully, thank you for rushing alongside my brother Kav, stabilizing it and making sure that he had received the urgent medical care he had desperately needed. Your courage and professionalism have made all the difference.
To the players of pirates and cubs, coaches, staff and all those who stopped to take a knee in prayer during this tragic moment, your compassion did not go unnoticed. This brought a feeling of unity and hope in the middle of chaos.
In the incredible team of the Allegheny General Hospital-Nurses, doctors, EMS staff, case managers, CNA, the intensive care team, technicians, the ED team and many others, because for your tireless efforts, your expertise and your care. If I left someone, know that your contribution is deeply appreciated.
To all those who have generously contributed to the GoFundme set up for Kav-merci from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words cannot transmit.
To all those who prayed, sent warm wishes and offered support, you led us through some of our darkest moments. I am incredibly grateful to share that Kav makes remarkable progress: he was extuated this morning, was able to say my name and even shake my hand. These small victories are monumental for us.
Although Kav’s trip is far from over, we hope. Your continuous prayers and your positive thoughts are necessary and cherished more than ever.
The outpouring of support from across the country has been really humiliating. From our family to yours, thank you. We feel each prayer, each word of encouragement and each act of kindness. We are not alone, and for that, we are forever grateful. “”
Emily Shapiro from ABC News, Alexandra Faul, Matthew Holroyd and Victoria Beaule contributed to this report.
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