A Leeds fan is believed to be fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a tree during the club’s Championship-winning celebrations this week.
Daniel Farke’s side booked their spot in the Premier League with the latest of goals against Plymouth courtesy of Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon striking deep in stoppage time.
The Yorkshire club knew only a win would suffice in a race for the trophy with Burnley due to their superior goal difference, with both teams finishing on an impressive 100 points.
Leeds then took their celebration to the streets on Monday, with over 150,000 fans turning out for the club’s trophy parade.
But as fans crammed the streets and scaled lampposts, traffic lights, and bus stops for a glimpse of their promotion heroes, tragedy struck in the midst of the festivities.
Ed O’Brien is thought to have fallen from a tree in Millennium Square while taking part in the parade, with the 23-year-old promptly rushed to hospital.
Ed O’Brien, 23, is in hospital fighting for his life after falling from a tree during Leeds’ promotion parade on Monday
Fans of all ages were out to celebrate their Premier League-bound idols on Monday afternoon
A JustGiving page was launched in the wake of his serious injury, with a friend stating that O’Brien was ‘fighting for his life’ and in a coma.
The page has already exceeded its £70 target, raising a staggering £10,801 at the time of climbing.
Among those who have donated are a slew of Leeds United supporters – including one big sporting name.
Atlanta Hawks star Larry Nance Jr contributed £2,000, sharing a thoughtful message: ‘Thinking of you. Strength and love!’
The basketball ace is an investor in the 49ers Enterprises group that makes up the club’s ownership, and by default an enormous fan of the side.
As per the Sun, O’Brien’s mother Stacey Barker has been keen to stress that her was not out of control when the tragic accident took place.
‘As far as I am aware, he had consumed alcohol, but I am confident he wasn’t paralytic as some posts are suggesting,’ Barker wrote.
‘I am also as confident as a mother can be that no other substance was involved.’
Barker also told the BBC: ‘Ed and his siblings are incredibly close and they’re feeling his absence acutely, as are his dad and I.’
O’Brien, who turned 23 last week, is currently being treated at Leeds General Infirmary.
Buses containing the Championship champions rolled through the city centre on Monday
Larry Nance Jr has contributed to a JustGiving page in support of the family after the tragedy
Barker confirmed that O’Brien had undergone surgery, but that potential damage to his brain was currently unclear.
‘We wanted to minimise the countless untruths which are currently circulating around Ed’s condition and also to urge people to consider what they are writing on social media for Ed’s loved ones to see,’ Barker said.
‘We are going through one of the worst things a parent can go through and some of the unwarranted comments are further compounding our heartache as a family.
‘Ed is just a young man who made a mistake and he’s paying for it dearly.’
Barker also told the broadcaster that the family is travelling from their home in York to Leeds two to four times a day to spend as much time with their son and brother as possible.
‘We’re holding onto every hope that our son and brother comes out of this as unscathed as possible, given his injuries,’ she added.
‘As yet, there is little improvement in his condition. He remains in a coma, but the fantastic team looking after him are confident he is showing some positive signs.
