‘An exceptional student-athlete’: Toronto gymnast dies days after fall during Philadelphia Eagles celebration

18-year-old Tyler Sabapathy is being remembered as an accomplished gymnast. CTV News Toronto’s Janice Golding has more from the people who knew him.

An acclaimed gymnast from Toronto who died after falling from a pole during victory celebrations by Philadelphia Eagles fans over the weekend is being remembered as a “exceptional student-athlete” with a ‘joy for life.”

Temple University announced the death of student-athlete Tyler Sabapathy, 18, in a statement posted to its website on Tuesday night.

The Toronto native leaves behind a lasting legacy on the gymnastics world, having earning more than 120 medals in competitions across Canada and beyond.

A motivated student-athlete, Sabapathy previously attended St. Michael’s College School in Toronto. He had recently moved to Philadelphia to study exercise and sport science at Temple where he was also an active member of the university’s club gymnastics team.

“The St. Michael’s College School community is heartbroken by the tragic passing of Tyler Sabapathy, a beloved member of the Class of 2024,” Michael De Pellegrin, the Director of Communications of St. Michael’s College School, said in a statement provided to CTV News.

“Tyler was an exceptional student-athlete, a talented gymnast, and a friend to many within the SMCS community. His joy for life, spirit, and outstanding pursuit of excellence inspired us all.”

In his statement, De Pellegrin said that the school also extends their “deepest sympathies” to the Sabapathy family. He said that the school will continue to honour his memory in the days ahead.

Sabapathy, 18, passed away earlier on Tuesday following critical injuries he sustained during Sunday’s celebrations after the Eagles' NFC Championship victory.

Witnesses told The Associated Press that he climbed to the top of the pole, before he fell onto the sidewalk losing his balance and striking his head.

In a statement previous posted to his Toronto high school, Sabapathy once said, “there are no universities (In Canada) that offer a competitive gymnastics programme.” He said factors like location, academic opportunities and a strong gymnastics programme is ultimately what led him to choose relocating to Philadelphia.

Temple University, meanwhile, described Sabapathy as a “promising 18-year-old man” who was “fascinated with injury prevention” in its statement. That fascination, the school said, ultimately led to Sabapathy choosing the major he did.

“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 statement reads.

In a statement provided to CTV News, the East York Gymnastics Club described Sabapathy as “gregarious and kind” and noted that he began training with the club at just 20 months old.

The statement went on to say that Sabapathy was “outgoing,” “slightly mischievous” and had a real “supportive character.”

“Tyler was a true leader in the gym,” the statement reads. “A role model for the next generation by providing the perfect dose of support and fortitude.”

Officials at the gym say his family, Susie, Norm, Dylan and Paige, “will always have a special place in our heart and soul, as EYGC was truly and forever will be, his second home.”