A night of celebration turned tragic for a San Antonio Spurs fan after a 17-year-old boy suffered catastrophic injuries while marking the team’s playoff success, according to local reports.
The teenager, whose identity has not been publicly released, was declared brain dead after falling from a moving vehicle during celebrations following the Spurs’ Western Conference Finals Game 6 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, News 4 San Antonio reported.
The win forced a decisive Game 7 in the series and sparked celebrations across the city.
Teen suffered severe head injuries after fall
According to relatives cited by local media, the teen was celebrating the Spurs’ victory when he fell from a moving vehicle and struck his head.
He was initially taken to an emergency room before being transferred to another hospital because of the severity of his injuries.
A police source later told the San Antonio Express-News that the teenager had been declared brain dead and was not expected to survive.
Also Read: Game 7 awaits: Spurs at Thunder on Saturday night to decide Western Conference crown
Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional details about how the incident unfolded, and the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Police call incident ‘tragic and preventable’
Following the accident, the San Antonio Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s family while urging residents to prioritize safety during celebrations.
“The San Antonio Police Department extends our sympathy to the family, friends and loved ones affected by this tragic and preventable incident,” the department said in a statement.
“This serves as an important reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility. 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,” the statement added.
The accident occurred as excitement surrounded the Spurs’ postseason campaign. The team’s Game 6 victory over Oklahoma City extended the Western Conference Finals to a winner-take-all Game 7.
San Antonio went on to defeat the Thunder on Saturday night to secure a spot in the NBA Finals, where the Spurs will face the New York Knicks.
