Temple University Student Dies After Fall During Eagles Celebration

Tyler Sabapathy, 18, tragically passed away after falling from a light pole during post-game celebrations in Center City following the Eagles' NFC Championship victory.

A Temple University student died on Tuesday after suffering severe injuries from falling off a light pole during the raucous celebrations that followed the Philadelphia Eagles' NFC Championship win. The accident occurred on Sunday night in Center City, Philadelphia, after the Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders 55-23, securing their place in the upcoming Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tyler Sabapathy, 18, a first-year student at Temple University’s College of Public Health, was majoring in exercise and sport science. He hailed from Toronto. In a statement, Temple officials expressed their sorrow, calling the death “both tragic and traumatic,” and stated that the university community was united in grief. Temple President John Frey and Vice President Jodi Bailey offered their condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to Tyler’s family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved him.”

Sabapathy was part of Temple’s club gymnastics team, and his coach, Jesse Kitzen-Abelson, paid tribute to him as “an exceptional athlete” and “an outstanding person loved by everyone who knew him.” Kitzen-Abelson called Sabapathy an inspiration and said he would be deeply missed by teammates and friends alike.

The Philadelphia Police Department confirmed it was investigating the incident. The fall took place at the intersection of 15th and Market Streets during the chaos of Eagles fans celebrating the victory. Sabapathy’s family, friends, and the entire Temple community are in mourning during this difficult time.

The university has expressed support for the Sabapathy family and requested that everyone keep them in their thoughts and prayers.