Australian punk band shares update on fan who suffered ‘catastrophic spinal injuries’ after lead singer jumped into crowd during performance

Australian punk band Trophy Eyes have provided an update on the health of a young fan who was seriously injured during one of their recent performances.

Bird Piche, 24, suffered a “catastrophic spinal injury” that left her unable to move when lead singer John Floreani threw himself into a mosh pit during a performance in Buffalo, New York, US in May.

The band, originally from Newcastle, said in a statement they were “truly devastated” by the incident but have decided to continue with their 2024 US tour.

The band provided an update on Bird’s health via social media on Saturday, reporting that the fan is making good progress in her recovery.

We are pleased to inform you that Bird is in rehabilitation [rehabilitation] “She is in the final stages of her recovery,” the band said in a statement on Instagram.

They continued: ‘Thanks to physical therapy, she has regained movement in her arms and wrists and has regained feeling in her legs and feet.

“We are all optimistic about her recovery, but her spinal cord injury is very serious and requires a lot of hard work and patience. The first year of rehabilitation is crucial.

‘Bird’s tenacity and hard work means she can hopefully leave her unit soon and continue her rehabilitation and recovery in an accessible new home.

Australian punk band Trophy Eyes (pictured) have provided an update on the health of the young fan who was seriously injured at one of their recent shows

Bird Piche, 24, (pictured) suffered a “catastrophic spinal injury” that left her unable to move when lead singer John Floreani threw himself into a mosh pit during a performance in Buffalo, New York, US in May.

‘Bird and her family still have a long road to recovery, so we kindly ask that you keep them in mind and respect their privacy.’

The band also thanked their fans for their support in a post, adding: ‘We remain in regular contact with Bird and are working closely with the family to support Bird’s recovery in every way we can.’

The band concluded their update with, “We love you, Bird.”

Trophy Eyes has already donated $5,000 to Bird’s GoFundMe page, which has a link on their online band platform.

Fans of the group showed their support for both the band and Bird in the comments.

“Accidents happen and you guys have handled this with all the strength you have and I have the utmost respect for that. I hope Bird is doing well and has the best recovery possible,” one follower posted.

We are pleased to inform you that Bird is in rehabilitation [rehabilitation] “In the phase of her recovery,” the band said in a statement on Instagram

‘I’m so happy with all the lovely responses to this post from both parties. Stay strong and keep going!’, added another.

“Sending my love to Bird and the people close to her, and also to the boys at Trophy Eyes,” another fan posted.

In May, shortly after the accident, Bird and her family told NBC News that she had regained use of her arms and some of her legs, but she did not yet have full use of her hands and toes.

“When you hear about these kinds of injuries, they’re obviously very serious and I didn’t think I would ever recover,” Bird told the network at the time.

She has now regained control of her gross motor skills: the most basic movements of her arms and legs.

Bird hopes to develop his fine motor skills and the ability to make complex finger and toe movements to perform simple, everyday tasks.

In May, not long after the accident, Bird and her family told NBC News that she had regained use of her arms and some of her legs, but not yet full use of her hands and toes.

“My arms, they’re… besides my hand dexterity, almost fully there. My fingers don’t have full movement,” she added.

Bird also reported that her legs were spontaneously kicking.

She said she has been to rehab and her prognosis is very positive.

“They think I’ll make a full recovery. Nothing is certain, of course, but they predict I’ll make a full recovery from everything,” she said.

Bird said she vividly remembers Floreani jumping back into the crowd.

The band’s lead singer, John Floreani, dove into the crowd (pictured), crushing Piche and seriously injuring her

“It was like his body and my neck, it was like crowd surfing.”

Bird’s family was very worried about her after the incident. “We were even afraid she wouldn’t 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 immediately stopped and Floreani accompanied Bird and her family to the hospital.

The manager of Mohawk Place said the venue where the accident occurred had a strict no-moshing policy.

“There are signs posted throughout the venue and a notice was included in the emails for this show that were sent to the show’s promoter and the band themselves,” manager Mike Thor said in a statement.

“Our policy and the procedure applied in practice are a complete show stopper for all stage diving that was initiated for this incident.”