Man who fell off PNC Park balcony walks into court with defendant, showing support
By Ava Rash
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PITTSBURGH (WTAE) — One misdemeanor count was dismissed against a man who is facing charges after his friend fell from the outfield stands at PNC Park during a Pittsburgh Pirates game in April.
Ethan Kirkwood, 21, will go to trial on one count of furnishing alcohol to minors after police say he bought alcohol for his underage friend, Kavan Markwood, at PNC Park before Markwood fell from a balcony into right field.
Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 cameras captured the moment Kirkwood walked into court side-by-side with Markwood.
Kirkwood’s attorney, William Stockey, said it is a sad situation and described the two as brothers.
Kirkwood was originally facing two misdemeanor counts of furnishing alcohol to minors, but one of those was dismissed.
Police say video surveillance inside the ballpark shows Kirkwood purchasing two cans of Miller Lite before the Pirates took the field. Then, minutes later, video shows Kirkwood holding one beer and 20-year-old Markwood holding one as well.
Police say Kirkwood was seen on camera going back to the bar an hour later and returning to his seat with two more cans of alcohol. Then, police say Kirkwood heads back to the bar and is returning to his seat when Markwood fell 21 feet onto the field below.
Markwood was admitted to Allegheny General Hospital with severe injuries to his skull, spine, ribs, and lungs.
Kirkwood is expected back in court in November.
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