Authorities say a Temple University student died Tuesday after suffering injuries after falling high from a light pole during raucous celebrations of the Philadelphia Eagles’ NFC title game victory.
According to Temple, 18-year-old Tyler Sabapathy, a Toronto native, was a first-year student specializing in exercise and sport science at the university’s College of Public Health.
In a statement, Temple President John Frey and Vice President Jodi Bailey said that the death was “both tragic and traumatic,” that “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,” added the statement.
After the Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders 55-23 to secure a spot in the Super Bowl on February 9 against the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, the fall took place on Sunday night at 15th and Market Streets in Center City.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, they have “initiated an investigation” and are “aware of this tragic incident.”
Sabapathy participated in the club gymnastics team at Temple.
I am deeply saddened by Tyler Sabapathy’s passing, as is the TUMG program. “Everyone who knew him loved him, and he was not just a great athlete,” Owls coach Jesse Kitzen-Abelson said in a statement.
“Our TUMG members will always remember Tyler, who is an example to all of us. During this terrible moment, kindly remember and pray for the Sabapathy family.