Tyler Sabapathy Biography
Tyler Sabapathy was a 18 year old Toronto native and first-year Temple University student who fell from a light pole on 15th and Market streets in Center City as Eagles fans celebrated the team’s victory over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game. According to witnesses, he lost his grip and balance and fell backward hitting his head on the concrete sidewalk.
He suffered brain trauma from the fall and was rushed to Jefferson Hospital where he was place on life support but he died on Sunday night. His death was announced in a statement from Temple President John Fry and Vice President for Student Affairs Jodi Bailey. It read in parts,
“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 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. ”
Sabapathy was one among several fans who climbed light poles during the celebration. People had however been warned by Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker against doing so. The city won’t say if they greased the poles on Sunday to discourage people from climbing them, adding that they don’t want to release public safety tactics. The 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.
According to the police there were several other incidences of stabbing and shooting. At least two people were shot, one was stabbed and several cops were assaulted in separate incidents resulting to four arrests and 31 citations.
According to ABC 6, a 20-year-old man was shot and taken to a hospital in stable condition, and a 39-year-old man suffered graze wounds to his chest and stomach. A 25-year-old man was stabbed near Lincoln Financial Field after the game and is in stable condition. A woman, Rebekah DeShields, 26, was arrested after crashing her car into a crowd of people and injuring eight at around 9:30 p.m. The police however said they did not believe she collided with the crowd intentionally.
Tyler Sabapathy Temple University – Gymnastics
Sabapathy was a first year student at Temple Universiy where he was studying bachelor of science in exercise and sport science. The course which is offered through Temple’s Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences focuses on the science and practice of health, fitness, and sports performance.
He said he took the course after learning about the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are important for proper movement.
“I decided to study exercise and sports science because of the abundance of background information on the topic provided by my training. After sustaining many injuries throughout my career, I have begun to understand the human body in a new way. Throughout my training, I have learned about the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are important for proper movement. This has persuaded me to pursue a career in exercise and sports science.”
Tyler Sabapathy Gymnastic
Sabapathy was a member of Temple University gymnastics. One of the reasons why he chose Temple was their strong gymnastics programme as there were no universities that offer a competitive gymnastics programme in Canada
He grew up training and competing for East York Gymnastics Club in Toronto. “I have been training 20 hours a week for the past eight years, split up into five different gym sessions throughout the week. During our time at the gym, we work on our skills across each event and finish with a conditioning circuit.”
As a gymnast, he won multiple provincial championships and over 120 medals in provincial, regional, and international competitions. He also finished fifth overall at the Atlantis Crown Invitational, an international competition in the Bahamas.
After his death, the school spokesperson wrote, “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.”