The 17-year-old suffered a severe head injury after falling from a moving vehicle during postgame celebrations in San Antonio.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A 17-year-old San Antonio Spurs fan has been declared brain dead after suffering catastrophic head injuries when he fell from a moving vehicle during celebrations following the team’s Western Conference finals victory, authorities and family members said.
The incident occurred Thursday night after the Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals, forcing a decisive Game 7. Police said the teenager suffered a severe head injury after falling from a vehicle during the city’s long-running postgame “honking” celebrations. The case remains under investigation as family members prepare for the possibility of losing the teen, whose injury has cast a shadow over the city’s excitement surrounding the Spurs’ return to the NBA Finals.
Authorities said the teenager was participating in celebrations on San Antonio’s South Side when the accident occurred. According to preliminary police information, a family member reported that the teen fell from a moving vehicle and struck his head on the pavement. Emergency treatment began at a nearby emergency facility before he was transferred to a trauma center because of the severity of his injuries. Police have not publicly released a detailed timeline of the moments leading up to the fall, and investigators continue to examine exactly how the incident unfolded. In a statement, the San Antonio Police Department described the event as a “tragic and preventable incident” and extended condolences to the teen’s family and friends.
Additional reporting identified the teenager as Jose “Joey” Rodriguez, a 17-year-old student at Frank Tejeda Academy in the Harlandale Independent School District. Family members said Rodriguez had gone out with friends to celebrate the Spurs victory. His aunt, Yvonne Hudson, told local media that the teen was sitting on the passenger-side window of a vehicle when it struck a curb, causing him to fall onto the roadway. Hudson said friends rushed Rodriguez to a nearby medical facility after the accident. Family members later learned he had no detectable pulse for several minutes before being stabilized and transferred to a trauma center. Medical staff subsequently informed relatives that Rodriguez was brain dead and not expected to survive. Authorities have not confirmed all details provided by family members, and police have not announced whether any criminal charges are being considered.
The tragedy occurred during a revival of San Antonio’s decades-old “Let’s Go Honking” tradition, in which fans drive through the city waving flags, sounding horns and celebrating playoff victories. The practice became widely associated with the Spurs’ championship runs beginning in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Following several seasons without deep playoff success, the celebrations largely faded before returning in force during the team’s recent postseason resurgence. Recent gatherings have drawn thousands of fans to major roads and commercial corridors. Videos shared online have shown people standing through sunroofs, riding on vehicle exteriors, setting off fireworks and gathering in crowded traffic lanes. Police have increased patrols during playoff celebrations and repeatedly urged fans to remain inside vehicles and obey traffic laws. Officials said the latest incident highlights the risks that can accompany large, spontaneous street gatherings.
Investigators have not released a final report on the accident and have not disclosed whether speed, vehicle conditions or other factors contributed to the fall. The San Antonio Police Department said detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Officials have also not identified the driver of the vehicle involved or indicated whether any citations were issued. The department’s public statement emphasized that safety remains a shared responsibility during public celebrations. Meanwhile, family members have focused on supporting one another and honoring Rodriguez. Community fundraising efforts have been launched to help cover medical and related expenses. The investigation is expected to continue even as doctors complete their medical assessments and authorities review all available information connected to the crash.
For many residents, the incident has become a sobering counterpoint to the city’s basketball excitement. Spurs fans filled streets across San Antonio again Saturday night after the team defeated Oklahoma City in Game 7 to secure a place in the NBA Finals. While many celebrations remained peaceful, the memory of Rodriguez’s injuries remained fresh for friends and relatives gathered at his bedside. Hudson described her nephew as a kind teenager who worked part-time and looked forward to his future. Police Chief William McManus was not directly involved in the investigation, but the department’s statement urged fans to celebrate responsibly while officers worked to keep roadways safe. Family members said they hope Rodriguez will be remembered for his character rather than the circumstances of the accident that brought widespread attention to his name.
The teenager remained hospitalized Sunday as authorities continued their investigation. The next major development is expected to come from police findings and any formal medical updates regarding Rodriguez’s condition in the days ahead.
Author note: Last updated May 31, 2026.