A 21-year-old man has been charged for providing alcohol to a younger fan who fell from the stands during a Pittsburgh Pirates game. The incident happened on April 30, when Kavan Markwood, 20, fell from a 21-foot-high wall at PNC Park, landing on the warning track below.
Ethan Kirkwood, from McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was arrested on Tuesday. He faces misdemeanor charges for furnishing alcohol to a minor. His preliminary hearing is set for June 23. According to court documents, Kirkwood admitted to buying alcohol for Markwood at the ballpark.
Surveillance footage from the game shows Kirkwood purchasing two 24-ounce beers. Later, the video captures him and Markwood together, each holding a beer. Markwood suffered serious injuries from the fall and was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was in critical condition but has since shown significant improvement.
This incident raises important questions about alcohol consumption at sporting events and the responsibilities of those who serve it. As the investigation continues, it highlights the potential dangers of underage drinking and the need for awareness in such environments.