A tragic incident unfolded in Philadelphia following the NFC Championship game when an 18-year-old Eagles fan fell from a light pole and later succumbed to his injuries. Tyler Sabapathy, a first-year student at Temple University, suffered severe brain trauma from the fall that occurred on Sunday night at 15th and Market streets. He was subsequently placed on life support but passed away on Tuesday at Jefferson Hospital.
Sabapathy, originally from Toronto, Canada, was a member of the Temple University gymnastics team and was pursuing a major in exercise and sport science. The university community is mourning the loss of this promising young man. In a joint statement, Temple President John Fry and Vice President for Student Affairs Jodi Bailey expressed their deep sorrow over Sabapathy’s untimely death. They extended their heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and classmates, acknowledging the profound impact of this tragedy on the entire university community.
The celebrations following the Eagles’ victory were marred by this incident. Despite warnings from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker urging fans not to climb poles or discharge firearms in the streets, several individuals, including Sabapathy, were seen climbing poles. Local news outlets reported that at least two people were shot during the street celebrations.
One eyewitness, Nick Alessandro from Blackwood, New Jersey, recounted the tragic fall that led to Sabapathy’s death. According to Alessandro, Sabapathy was attempting to remove an Eagles flag from the pole when he lost his balance and fell. The scene quickly descended into chaos as people rushed towards him.
In the wake of this tragedy, Temple University is encouraging students affected by Sabapathy’s death to seek counseling through the university’s resources. The university’s statement lamented the loss of a student who had a bright future ahead of him, expressing regret that the world would not witness the contributions he could have made.