Punk fan partially paralyzed after singer dives on stage during New York concert

A punk rock fan suffered a “catastrophic spinal cord injury” and was left partially paralyzed after a band’s lead singer dove on top of her during a New York concert.

Bird Piche underwent major surgery following the incident on April 30 during a concert by Australian band Trophy Eyes at Mohawk Place in Buffalo.

The 24-year-old’s neck was broken, according to a family friend, but she has since regained feeling in her fingers.

Footage posted on social media shows the band performing in an intimate venue. Piche’s signature pink hair can be seen in the centre of the room before frontman John Floreani leaps into the crowd and appears to be on top of her.

Family friend Leo Wolters Tejera, who was at the concert, said it was “immediately” clear that something was wrong.

“Her neck was definitely broken, and today she has feeling in her arms and can use her fingers, her hands and all that,” Mr. Tejera said. WKBW.

A statement from Trophy Eyes, shared on the band’s social media page, said they were “truly heartbroken” by the incident at Mohawk Place, which had “shook us all to our core.”

“Following a tragic accident on the night of April 30th, a Trophy Eyes fan was injured during our show in Buffalo, NY. We have decided to immediately stop the show while John accompanied them to the hospital with their family,” the statement read.

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

“Our friend Bird is now recovering, but he still has a long way to go. This has taken a toll on all of us and we ask for your patience as we seek to help Bird through this difficult time.

“Please keep Bird in your thoughts. We remain in close contact with them and will update you as more information becomes available.”

Trophy Eyes donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe page for Piche. The page, which has raised more than $50,000 for the injured woman, said it was “too early” to know her prognosis, but that she would go to a rehabilitation center after leaving the hospital.

“We will provide details based on her comfort level. The funds will be used to pay for her medical bills and anything else she may need to function in life due to the accident,” the page states.

The Independent emailed Mohawk Place for comment. In a statement, shared with WKBW, A general manager said crowd-surfing was banned on the site and signs were posted “everywhere”.

The Independent has contacted Trophy Eyes for further comment.