Ed is just a young man who made a mistake.
A Leeds United supporter is in critical condition after falling from a tree during Premier League promotion celebrations in Millennium Square on Monday.
Ed O’Brien, 23, reportedly fell while celebrating Leeds’ Championship title win, secured by a stoppage-time goal from Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon against Plymouth. Over 150,000 fans gathered in the city for the jubilant event.
O’Brien remains in a coma at Leeds General Infirmary following surgery. His mother, Stacey Barker, said, “Ed is just a young man who made a mistake and he’s paying for it dearly.” She added, “Ed and his siblings are incredibly close. We’re holding onto every hope.”
A JustGiving fundraiser has raised over £10,000. Leeds investor and NBA star Larry Nance Jr donated £2,000, writing: “Thinking of you. Strength and love!”
Barker refuted speculation about substance use: “I am confident he wasn’t paralytic and no other substance was involved.”
She urged compassion online: “Some of the unwarranted comments are compounding our heartache.”