Jose Luis Rodriguez III, a 17-year-old San Antonio Spurs fan, has died following severe head injuries sustained in a fall from a moving vehicle during a playoff celebration. His family announced his passing after he had been declared brain dead while receiving treatment at a Texas hospital.
Rodriguez’s aunt, Victoria Lopez, indicated that the family faced the difficult decision to take him off life support. She stated, “He was ready to go out there into the world and make something of himself.”
The incident occurred on Thursday night, during a “honking celebration” on the South Side of San Antonio after the Spurs won against the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to family members, Rodriguez fell from the vehicle and landed on his head, causing serious injuries.
He was taken to a nearby hospital where he initially had no pulse for eight minutes before being transferred to a specialist clinic due to the extent of his injuries. Family members had remained hopeful when they observed him responding to their voices by moving his knees and thumbs.
Rodriguez’s uncle, Moses Rodriguez, emphasized the importance of faith during this trying time and reflected on the teenager’s passion for the Spurs, saying, “The Spurs meant everything to him.”
As the Spurs prepare for their NBA Finals game against the New York Knicks, the family has urged fans to prioritize safety during celebrations. “Everyone please be careful out there. Stay in your cars. If you’re in a vehicle wear your seatbelt,” added his uncle.
Authorities, including the San Antonio Police, have echoed these calls for safety, reminding fans to adhere to traffic laws and stay inside their vehicles during celebrations, which have drawn large crowds in previous playoff runs.
Spurs player Dylan Harper also spoke about responsible behavior during a recent press conference, encouraging fans to celebrate safely while expressing excitement for the finals.
Source: nypost.com via Google News.
