Buffalo, New York – A punk rock fan suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury after being partially paralyzed by a stage-diving rocker during a Trophy Eyes concert on April 30. Bird Piché, 24, recounted the harrowing experience from her hospital bed, detailing the moment John Floreani, the band’s frontman, leaped into the crowd at the 230-person venue Mohawk Place in Buffalo.
The incident, captured in footage shared on social media, led to Piché being rushed to the hospital for emergency trauma surgery. Despite initial fears for her life, Piché has shown signs of progress, regaining some use of her arms and partial leg function. However, she remains unable to move her hands and toes at this time.
In an interview, Piché expressed optimism about her recovery, stating that medical professionals believe she will eventually regain full function. Her mother, Amy Leigh Flaminio, shared her concerns about Piché’s condition but remains hopeful for her daughter’s recovery.
Following the ordeal, the band expressed deep sadness over the incident, emphasizing their support for Piché and her family during this challenging time. They made a gesture of goodwill by donating $5,000 to a crowdfunding page set up to help with Piché’s medical expenses.
Piché, a devoted fan of the band since 2016, acknowledged the risks associated with attending punk rock shows, where activities like stage-diving are common. Despite the unexpected turn of events, she remains positive about her future and is determined to overcome the challenges ahead.
As Piché continues her journey to recovery in rehabilitation, she remains grateful for the outpouring of support from fans, the band, and the community. With a long road ahead, she faces the road with optimism, eager to regain full mobility and return to a normal life.