University Gymnast Dies After Fall During Eagles Victory Celebration

A Philadelphia Eagles logo prior to a game against the New York Giants in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Jan. 21, 2023. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

A Temple University freshman celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles NFC championship win over the Washington Commanders has died after falling from a light pole and suffering critical injuries.

Temple University announced the death of 18-year-old Tyler Sabapathy on Tuesday.

Tyler and a friend had climbed a light pole at 15th and Market streets in Center City, Philadelphia, during the home team’s victory celebration. While at the top of the pole, he lost his grip and fell, reportedly landing on his head.

He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, according to authorities.

“Over the weekend, Tyler sustained critical injuries and ultimately passed away this afternoon,” Temple University President John Fry said in a statement on Tuesday.

“There are no words that can make sense of it, and the entire Temple community mourns his passing.”

According to the university, Tyler was a native of Toronto, Canada, majoring in exercise and sports science.

The young man was an accomplished gymnast with more than 120 medals to his name in provincial, regional, and international competitions.

“Tyler was fascinated with injury prevention, and this ultimately led him to pursue the major that he did,” Fry wrote, adding that he was a great asset to the university’s gymnastics team.

“Tyler displayed exceptional self-discipline and work ethic, spending countless hours a week training and honing his craft,” Fry added.

“He was loved by his teammates, friends and coaches here in Philadelphia.”

The university’s men’s gymnastics team also expressed its condolences.

“Not only was he an exceptional athlete, but an outstanding person loved by everyone who knew him,” head coach Jesse Kitzen-Abelson wrote on the team’s Instagram page.

The university said it was offering counseling to students, faculty, and staff.

“Our hearts go out to Tyler’s family, friends, classmates and all who knew and loved him.”

FOX29 reported that light poles are typically greased by the city prior to big sports games in an effort to deter climbing. It remains unclear if this contributed to Tyler’s fall.

Police reported numerous incidents during Sunday night’s celebrations, including shootings, stabbings, and, assaults on police officers. One man was caught on camera firing his gun in the air in celebration while amidst the crowd.

Philadelphia Eagles fans celebrate in Philadelphia after the team defeated the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship NFL football game on Jan 26, 2025. Tom Gralish/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP

Police also reported a car had driven into a crowd of people, leading to multiple injuries. The driver was taken into custody. The crash “does not appear intentional at this time,” the Philadelphia Police Department said.

The Eagles’ first game at the Super Bowl will be in New Orleans on Feb. 9, where they will face the Kansas City Chiefs, who beat the Buffalo Bills 32–29 last Sunday.

Prior to Sunday’s championship game, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker warned fans to be careful while celebrating.

From NTD News