A Leeds United fan is in critical condition after falling from a tree while celebrating the club’s dramatic promotion to the Premier League.
Ed O’Brien, 23, sustained serious injuries during Monday’s celebrations in Millennium Square, where more than 150,000 fans gathered following Leeds’ Championship title win. The victory was clinched with a stoppage-time goal from Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon against Plymouth.
O’Brien was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary and remains in a coma. His mother, Stacey Barker, described the incident as a tragic accident: “Ed is just a young man who made a mistake, and he’s paying for it dearly.”
A JustGiving campaign launched by friends has raised over £10,000 to support the family. Among the donors was NBA player and Leeds investor Larry Nance Jr., who contributed £2,000 along with a message of support: “Thinking of you. Strength and love!”
Barker emphasized that her son was not heavily intoxicated at the time of the fall. “I am confident he wasn’t paralytic, and no other substances were involved,” she said.
O’Brien, who had just turned 23, recently underwent surgery. Doctors remain concerned about possible brain damage.
His family, who travel daily from York to be by his side in Leeds, have asked the public to show compassion. “Some of the unwarranted comments are compounding our heartache,” Barker said. “We urge people to consider what they are writing.”
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