Kavan Markwood, the 20-year-old man who fell over the railing atop a 21-foot-high wall and onto the warning track at PNC Park during a Pittsburgh Pirates game last week took his first steps Monday.
As reported by The Associated Press, Markwood still has “a long way to go” in his recovery, according to sources.
Jennifer Phillips, the organizer of a GoFundMe page for Markwood, said in an update Monday that his recovery is “a slow slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits.”
Markwood was admitted to the trauma center at Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition after the accident. He fell during the seventh inning of Pittsburgh’s 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs last Wednesday.
“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,” wrote Phillips, who once taught Markwood. “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.”
As of Monday night, the GoFundMe had raised nearly $41,000, more than 90% towards its initial goal of $45,000.
Pittsburgh Public Safety, which includes Pittsburgh Police and EMS, has labeled the incident an accident.
Video appears to show Markwood rise from a seated position in the first row of the right field stands following a double by Andrew McCutchen. He immediately toppled over the railing, despite its 36-inch height exceeding building standards by 10 inches.
According to CBS News, a Pirates spokesperson said Saturday that a team investigation determined that Markwood showed no known signs of being intoxicated at the time of the fall Wednesday night.
The spokesperson reported that Markwood was in a group of four people — including another male and two females — and credit card receipts show the other man legally purchased drinks four times. With the purchases limited to two drinks at a time, the other fan bought four beers and three Surfsides. Surfside is a brand of vodka-based iced tea and lemonade beverage.
The club believes Markwood consumed two beers prior to his fall. There's no indication if he had been drinking prior to entering the stadium.
