Australian punk band Trophy Eyes have given an update on the health of a young fan who was seriously injured during a recent show.
Bird Piche, 24, suffered a ‘catastrophic spinal injury’ that left him unable to move when lead singer John Floreani fell into a mosh pit at a concert in Buffalo, New York, US in May.
The band, which originated in Newcastle, said in a statement they were “truly heartbroken” by the incident but decided to go ahead with their 2024 US tour.
Taking to their social media on Saturday, the group gave an update on Bird’s health journey and now reports that the fan is making good progress in her recovery.
“We are happy to share that Bird is progressing in rehabilitation [rehabilitation] phase of her recovery,” the group said in a statement posted on Instagram.
They continued: “With physical therapy, she has regained movement in her arms and wrists and feeling has returned to her legs and feet.
“We all share the same eager optimism for her recovery, however, spinal injuries are very serious and require a lot of work and patience – the first year of rehabilitation is critical.
Bird’s persistence and hard work means that hopefully soon, she will leave her unit and continue her rehabilitation and recovery in a new, accessible home.
Australian punk band Trophy Eyes (pictured) have given a health update for the young fan who was seriously injured during a recent show
Bird Piche, 24, (pictured) suffered a ‘catastrophic spinal injury’ that left him unable to move when lead singer John Floreani fell into a mosh pit at a concert in Buffalo, New York, US in May.
“There is still a very long road ahead for Bird and her family as they progress in her recovery, so we kindly ask that you keep them in your thoughts and continue to respect their privacy.”
The band also thanked their fans in the post for their support and added: ‘We remain in frequent communication with Bird as we continue to work closely with the family to assist Bird’s recovery in any way we can.’
The group captioned their update, “We love you, Bird.”
Trophy Eyes have already donated $5,000 to Bird’s GoFundMe page, which has a link on their online group platform.
Fans of the band showed support for the band and Bird in the comments.
“Accidents happen and you guys have dealt with it with all the strength you have which I have the utmost respect for, I hope Bird is ok and her recovery is the best it can be,” one follower wrote.
“We are happy to share that Bird is progressing in rehabilitation [rehabilitation] phase of her recovery,” the group said in a statement posted on Instagram
“So happy to see all the good comments on this post for both sides – stay strong and keep going!” added another.
“I send my love to Bird and those close to her, I also send my love to the guys at Trophy Eyes,” another fan posted.
In May, not long after the accident, Bird and her family told NBC News that she had regained the use of her arms and some leg function, but not the full use of her hands and fingers.
“When you hear about these types of injuries, they’re obviously very serious, so I didn’t expect to have any recovery,” Bird told the network at the time.
She has now recovered gross motor skills – the most basic movements of her arms and legs.
Bird hopes to develop fine motor skills and the ability to make complex finger and foot movements to accomplish basic, everyday tasks.
In May, not long after the accident, Bird and her family told NBC News that she had regained the use of her arms and some leg function, but not full use of her hands and fingers.
My arms, they are… except for the dexterity of my hand, almost completely there. My fingers don’t have full movement,” she added.
The bird also discovered that its legs were making spontaneous kicking movements.
She explained that she went to rehab and her prognosis was very positive.
“They think I will make a full recovery. “Nothing is certain, obviously, but they predict that I will have a full recovery from everything,” she said.
The bird said it was clear when Florean was thrown back into the crowd.
The band’s lead singer John Floreani dived into the crowd (pictured), crushing Piche and seriously injuring him
“It was, like his body and my neck, it was a crowd surfing thing.”
Bird’s family was very afraid for him after the incident. “We were even worried she wasn’t going to make it,” said her mother Amy Leigh Flaminio.
“It’s going to be a long road, but the early signs are so promising. It’s exciting.’
The show, at Buffalo’s Mohawk Place, was stopped immediately and Floreani accompanied Bird to the hospital with her family.
The manager of Mohawk Place said the venue where the accident happened had a strict ‘no moshing’ policy.
“There are signs posted all over the place and notice was included in emails about this show with the show promoter and the band themselves,” manager Mike Thor said in a statement.
“Our policy and procedure in place is a complete ban on any scene diving that has been put in place for this incident.”