An 18-year-old Temple University student died after he fell from a light pole during a celebration of the Philadelphia Eagles winning the NFC Championship in downtown Philadelphia.
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Tyler Sabapathy was among thousands who celebrated the Eagles’ win on January 26. Still, the celebration turned into tragedy when he climbed a light pole at 15th and Market Streets, lost his balance, and fell. According to the New York Post, Sabapathy was rushed to Jefferson Hospital, where he was placed on life support before passing away on Tuesday, January 28, due to severe brain trauma. Temple University released a statement mourning the loss of the first-year gymnastics athlete and sports science major.
“It is with deep sadness that we write to share news of the death of first-year student Tyler Sabapathy. Over the weekend, Tyler sustained critical injuries and ultimately passed away this afternoon,” the statement reads. “The loss of a promising 18-year-old man like Tyler is both tragic and traumatic. There are no words that can make sense of it, and the entire Temple community mourns his passing. Our hearts go out to Tyler’s family, friends, classmates and all who knew and loved him.”
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Before the celebrations, Philadelphia Cherelle Parker issued a statement warning fans to be safe.
Despite efforts from city officials, fans took to the streets in chaotic fashion. ABC 6 reported that at least two people were shot, and one fan was caught firing gunshots into the air at Cottman and Frankford Avenues.
