A friend of the 20-year-old Pirates fan who suffered severe injuries after falling 21 feet from the stands at PNC Park last month has been charged for allegedly buying alcohol for him before the incident, court records show, according to multiple reports.
Ethan Kirkwood, 21, allegedly bought two beers for Kavan Markwood during the Pirates-Cubs game on April 30 and now faces two misdemeanor counts of furnishing alcohol to someone under the age of 21, per court records.
Markwood, who played college football at Wheeling University in 2023, suffered injuries to his skull, spine, lungs, ribs and brain after falling head-first over the wall — which is 21 feet high to honor Pirates legend Roberto Clemente — while celebrating an Andrew McCutchen double during the seventh inning, as seen in fan-captured videos.
Security footage from inside PNC Park allegedly shows Kirkwood buying two 24-ounce Miller Lites from a kiosk shortly before first pitch, according to the criminal complaint filed by a state police liquor control enforcement officer.
One video allegedly shows Kirkwood and Markwood both with a beer in hand, police said in the complaint, which noted the server carded Kirkwood during the purchase.
Other footage shows Kirkwood returning to his seat with two more cans of beer about 50 minutes before Markwood fell onto the right field warning track.
“Two females are seen running down the stairs and looking for Kirkwood. Kirkwood is then seen handing a can to a female who throws it in the trash and jumping over a railing and then jumped on the field to help his friend,” the criminal complaint reportedly reads.
The game was temporarily delayed as medical staff and trainers tended to Markwood, who was carted off the field and taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Markwood’s family started a GoFundMe to raise money to cover his medical expenses and recovery from a broken neck and clavicle.
“Broken everything,” Markwood said, describing his injuries after the incident.
He took his first steps on May 5, his family said.
“It’s a slow slow process, but seeing him up and moving was a huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits,” the family said. “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. 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.”
At the time, Allegheny General Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Al Philp said Markwood had progressed well.
Markwood was also preparing for physical therapy rehab, which will include cognitive rehab due to the brain injuries.
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