An 18-year-old Temple University student has died two days after celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles win over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game, putting the Eagles in the Super Bowl. The fan had climbed a light pole in Philadelphia’s center city and fell on Sunday evening, Jan. 26.
How did the incident happen?
Tyler Sabapathy, 18, of Toronto, Canada, suffered brain trauma when he fell and landed on his back, causing him to hit his head. Police said he was on life support since Sunday, Jan. 26, and died on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia.
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Images obtained by the New York Post show Sabapathy on the pole at 15th and Market Street. He was a member of the Temple University Gymnastics team and also majored in exercise and sports science. A witness said he saw the 18-year-old trying to grab the Eagles flag on the pole, lose his balance and topple to the ground.
What has been the reaction?
The university issued a statement confirming the death of the student-athlete, calling it tragic and traumatic. The university also sent condolences to his family, friends and classmates.
Mayor had urged fans not to climb
Before the Eagles game with the Commanders, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker warned fans not to climb poles, as they have done in the past after big Eagles victories. She warned that a tragedy could occur.
Were there other incidents after the Eagles won?
Following the celebration on Sunday, police in Philadelphia revealed they issued 31 citations for disorderly conduct or failure to disperse and four assaults on police officers. There were also two shootings and vandalization at the Philadelphia district attorney’s office.
