What started as a night of celebration for San Antonio Spurs fans has turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.
A 17-year-old Spurs supporter has been declared legally brain dead after suffering a devastating fall during celebrations following the team’s Game 6 victory in the Western Conference Finals.
According to reports, the teenager was taking part in one of San Antonio’s well-known “honking” celebrations on the city’s south side. Unfortunately, things took a terrible turn.
The teen was reportedly riding on top of a vehicle near Southwest Military Drive, an area that has become a popular gathering spot for these post-game celebrations. At some point during the festivities, he fell from the vehicle and suffered a severe head injury.
Police say the exact circumstances surrounding the fall are still under investigation.
In a statement, San Antonio Police extended sympathy to the victim’s family, friends and loved ones – calling it a ‘tragic’ and ‘preventable’ event.
‘We encourage everyone celebrating to follow traffic laws, stay inside of your vehicles and follow directions from the officers who are there to keep everyone safe,’ SAPD said in a statement.
San Antonio’s tradition of ‘honking’ celebrations dates back to the Spurs’ 1999 run to the NBA title and grew when the team became a dynasty under Gregg Popovich.
Fans clad in black-and-silver take their vehicles to certain spots in the city – particularly on Commerce Street in downtown and on Southwest Military Drive on the city’s South Side – after victories.
The tradition has led to large gatherings and street parties in the early hours as fans flocked to celebrate major victories for the team in the playoffs.
Within the rowdiness, it’s common for people to ride on top of vehicles, hanging out of windows or standing in truck beds. Those not riding in vehicles can often be seen dancing in the streets. Other risky behaviors like the lighting of fireworks also takes place.
Police have bulked up numbers in areas where ‘honking’ celebrations are common to keep the flow of traffic going and to prevent dangerous behavior.
As investigators continue to examine what happened, many in San Antonio are expressing their condolences to the teenager’s loved ones and hoping the tragedy encourages others to celebrate responsibly in the future.
