Toronto college student dies during after Eagles’ playoff win

A Canadian college student who was hurt when he climbed a street pole and fell while Philadelphia Eagles fans celebrated the team’s victory in Sunday’s NFC championship game has died from his injuries.

Temple University announced the death of Tyler Sabapathy, 18, in a statement posted Tuesday night on the school’s website. A Toronto, Ont. native, Sabapathy was an accomplished gymnast who was a freshman studying in the school’s College of Public Health, majoring in exercise and sport science.

“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,” the school’s statement read in part.

Witnesses have said Sabapathy climbed to the top of the pole before he fell onto the sidewalk and struck his head. He was taken to a hospital, where he died on Tuesday.

The statement said that Sabapathy had been active in gymnastics for most of his life and earned more than 120 medals in provincial, regional, and international competitions. He also was active with Temple’s gymnastics team.

“As a member of the university’s club gymnastics team, Tyler displayed exceptional self-discipline and work ethic, spending countless hours a week training and honing his craft. He was loved by his teammates, friends and coaches here in Philadelphia,” the school said.

“Once again, we extend our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to those closest to Tyler, especially his parents and siblings. He will be deeply missed.”

With files from Lucas Casaletto of CityNews