An 18-year-old Temple University student died Tuesday following a fall from a light pole he had climbed while celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl-clinching win on Sunday night.
Toronto, Canada native Tyler Sabapathy, an exercise and sport science major at Temple and a member of the school’s club gymnastics team, was one of many in Philadelphia celebrating the Eagles’ victory over the Washington Commanders and their return to the Super Bowl.
As more and more fans swarmed the streets, some, including Sabapathy, took to climbing poles in celebration. While climbing at 15th and Market streets, Sabathay slipped, falling flat on his back and hitting his head on the concrete sidewalk below. He was hospitalized with a brain injury and was pronounced dead two days later.
“It is with deep sadness that we write to share news of the death of first-year student Tyler Sabapathy,” Temple University president John Fry wrote in an open letter to the school. “Over the weekend, Tyler sustained critical injuries and ultimately passed away this afternoon. 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.”
The letter also stated that Temple is providing support to students in wake of the tragedy. Students are encouraged to seek available support services at Tuttleman Counseling Services, located at 1700 N. Broad St., which, according to Temple, offers a range of resources. For more information on services and hours of operation, call 215-204-7276 or visit the Tuttleman Counseling Services website.
Philadelphia police did not respond to requests for comment. According to 6ABC News, Philadelphia police held an internal briefing on Tuesday to review Sunday’s response and discuss what strategies to use during the next possible celebration, which could be as early as Feb. 9, should the Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
