Fan suffering from ‘catastrophic spinal injury’ after band’s lead singer stage-dived at gig

A concert-goer has been left suffering with a ‘catastrophic spinal cord injury’ after a band's lead singer crowd-surfed at a gig in New York.

Bird Piche, 24, was watching punk band Trophy Eyes when frontman John Floreani stage-dived into the mosh pit at Buffalo’s Mohawk Place.

The incident is said to have taken place just a couple of minutes into the band's first song.

Bird was rushed to hospital with her family, accompanied by John.

In a statement posted on X, the band said: "The situation has shaken us all to our core, and we ask for patience while we look to help Bird navigate this difficult time."

Bird underwent 'extensive surgery' following the incident and a GoFundMe has now been set up to help pay for her rehab.

"She has a long recovery ahead and will need all the help she can get," it reads.

"It is still too early to know what her prognosis is but after leaving the hospital she will need to go to a rehab facility. She will obviously not be able to work during this time."

The band has donated $5,000 to the fundraiser.

Over on Reddit, fans who claimed they were at the gig have been discussing what happened.

One wrote: "A girl in the middle of the crowd ended up getting seriously injured after this stage dive.

"I left immediately once I saw the state she was in, I heard the show was cancelled once the ambulance showed up.

"Really hoping for the best possible outcome for that fan."

Meanwhile, another said: "My partner and I were directly beside her. As soon as we heard her say she was scared and couldn’t move we knew it wasn’t good. John was clearly devastated."

In a statement shared with news.com.au, Buffalo’s Mohawk Place’s manager Mike Thor explained the venue has a 'no moshing' policy.

He said: "There are signs posted everywhere in the venue and notice was included in the emails for this show with the show’s promoter and the band themselves.

"Our policy and practised procedure is a full show stop for any stage diving which was put into place for this incident.

"Currently we are working to put together a charity show to help the injured party with their GoFundMe."

https://t.co/mzqqCkgidR pic.twitter.com/vY9OPl6CcJ

— Trophy Eyes (@trophyeyesmusic) May 3, 2024

Trophy Eyes have also addressed the incident with a statement, explaining: "As the result of a tragic accident on the night of April 30, a Trophy Eyes fan was injured at our Buffalo NY show.

"We elected to immediately shut down the show as John accompanied them to the hospital with their family.

"Out of respect for the family, we have refrained from speaking about this publicly so far, but with the blessing of their family we are now able to say how truly heartbroken we are to be here now.

"Our friend, Bird, is now in recovery but still has a long road ahead for them. A GoFundMe has been set up by their family, you can donate below.

"The situation has shaken us all to our core, and we ask for patience while we look to help Bird navigate this difficult time. Please keep Bird in your thoughts.

"We remain in close contact with them and will expand on this as new news arrives. Yours faithfully, Trophy Eyes."

UNILAD has reached out to Buffalo's Mohawk Place and Trophy Eyes for comment.