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Tyler Sabapathy, a student at Temple University in Philadelphia, has tragically passed away from the injuries he sustained after falling off of a lamp post during the NFC championship game celebrations in Philadelphia on Sunday following the Eagles victory over the Washington Commanders. Sabapathy was 18-years-old.
According to reports, Sabapathy fell off a lamp post at the corner 15th and Mark streets in Center City, Philadelphia, and was taken to nearby Jefferson hospital. Sabapathy was treated for traumatic brain injuries but was pronounced dead on Tuesday, January 28.
In a statement, Temple University confirmed Sabapathy’s passing, confirming that he died as a result of the critical injuries he sustained from falling off the lamp post. The university added that grief counselors will be available for both students and staff.
“It is with deep sadness that we write to share news of the death of first-year student Tyler Sabapathy. Over the weekend, Tyler sustained critical injuries and ultimately passed away this afternoon,” the university said in an official in a statement Tuesday night. “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.”
According to ABC 6 Philadelphia, Sabapathy was from Toronto, Canada, was majoring in exercise and sports science and was a member of Temple University’s club gymnastics team.
“Philadelphia police had an internal briefing Tuesday to review Sunday’s response and discuss what strategies they will use during the next possible celebration, which could be in just two weeks. The city won’t say if they greased the poles on Sunday, adding that they don’t want to release public safety tactics. Authorities are also still investigating numerous reports of other injuries from throughout the night on Sunday, including shootings, a stabbing and assaults on police officers.” [via ABC 6 Philadelphia]
Sabapathy’s tragic death is one of many instances of the celebrations in Philadelphia getting out of hand, as one fan was caught on camera firing gunshots into the air at the corner of Cottman and Frankford Avenues. Additionally, there were reports of shootings, a stabbing, assaults on police officers and an incident in which 26-year-old Rebekah DeShields drove into a crowd and injured eight people, according to Philadelphia police.
Our thoughts are with Sabapathy’s friends, family, and loved one during his difficult time.