A Temple University student died Tuesday from injuries sustained from falling high off a light pole during wild celebrations of the Philadelphia Eagles' victory in the NFC title game, authorities said.
Tyler Sabapathy, 18, was a native of Toronto and a first-year student at the university’s College of Public Health, majoring in exercise and sport science, Temple officials said.
The death was "both tragic and traumatic," and there "are no words that can make sense of it, and the entire Temple community mourns his passing," according to a statement by Temple president John Frey and vice president Jodi Bailey.
"Our hearts go out to Tyler’s family, friends, classmates and all who knew and loved him," the statement said.
The fall happened Sunday night at 15th and Market Streets, in Center City, after the Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders, 55-23, to earn a spot the Super Bowl on Feb. 9 against two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
The Philadelphia Police Department said it is "aware of this tragic incident" and has "initiated an investigation."
Sabapathy was a member of Temple's club gymnastics team.
“The TUMG program and I are heartbroken over the passing of Tyler Sabapathy. Not only was he an exceptional athlete, but an outstanding person loved by everyone who knew him," Owls coach Jesse Kitzen-Abelson said in a statement.
"Tyler is an inspiration to us all, and he will forever live on through our TUMG members. Please keep the Sabapathy family in your thoughts and prayers during this tragic time.”
