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Teenage Gymnast Dies After Fall From Pole During Eagles Celebration

A celebration turned tragic as a Temple student suffered a fatal head injury following the Eagles' NFC Championship victory.

Tyler Sabapathy, an 18-year-old Temple University student and accomplished gymnast, tragically died after falling from a light pole during celebrations for the Philadelphia Eagles’ NFC Championship victory, according to university officials. The incident happened Sunday night as fans flooded the streets following the Eagles’ 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders.

Sabapathy, a Toronto native and first-year exercise and sport science major at Temple, was climbing a pole when he lost his grip and hit his head on the concrete below, according to video footage of the event. He suffered a severe head injury and passed away two days later in Jefferson Hospital.

The university described Sabapathy’s death as “tragic and traumatic,” sharing that he was a decorated gymnast with over 120 medals and a member of Temple’s club gymnastics team. “Tyler was loved by his teammates, friends, and coaches,” university officials said in a statement.

The tragedy has raised questions about safety measures during large-scale celebrations in Philadelphia, and is a devastating reminder of the dangers tied to such events. 

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