Markwood’s background as a dedicated student-athlete drew a wave of support from former coaches and school officials. Described as a young man of character and resilience, his community is now rallying around him. Pirates chairman Bob Nutting expressed heartbreak over the incident, calling it “one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced,”

and praised first responders for their swift action.The fall is being treated as accidental. The Pirates noted that the railing from which Markwood fell exceeds current building code standards.