The young San Antonio Spurs fan who suffered catastrophic head injuries falling from a moving vehicle during a playoff win celebration has died, his family revealed in a heartbreaking update.
Jose Luis Rodriguez III, 17, had been “fighting for his life” at a Texas hospital since being declared brain dead following last Thursday’s tragic accident.
“He was ready to go out there into the world and make something of himself,” his aunt, Victoria Lopez, told KSAT on Tuesday as she described the family’s heartbreaking decision to take the teenager off life support.
Jose Luis Rodriguez III suffered a catastrophic head injuries after falling from a truck. Family Handout
“It’s just a terrible tragedy,” she added.
Rodriguez had been hanging out of a vehicle during a so-called “honking celebration” on San Antonio’s South Side on Thursday night following the Spurs’ series-tying victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He fell off and landed on his head, leaving “blood all over the street,” according to another aunt, Yvonne Hudson.
The high school junior was rushed to a nearby hospital where he had no pulse for eight minutes before being taken to a specialist clinic due to the traumatic nature of his brain injuries.
The high school junior was rushed to a nearby hospital before being taken to a specialist clinic due to the traumatic nature of his brain injuries.
His family had been “praying for a miracle,” and saw a glimmer of hope after witnessing Rodriguez move his knees and thumbs in response to their voices, uncle Moses Rodriguez told News4SA.
Family Handout
“Under the circumstances, I know he would want us to be religious, and he would want us to keep our faith,” the uncle added.
“The Spurs meant everything to him. As soon as the Spurs won, he was like, ‘Go Spurs, Go!’” Moses Rodriguez said.
The Spurs will face the New York Knicks tonight at 8:30 p.m. in game one of the NBA Finals.
Rodriguez’s family has urged fans to stay safe during the finals.
“Everyone please be careful out there. Stay in your cars. If you’re in a vehicle wear your seatbelt,” his uncle said.
Police and even Spurs players have also called on supporters to be sensible, after the return of rowdy rolling street parties during the team’s playoff run.
The tradition was first reported during the Spurs’ 1999 NBA title run, and sees thousands of fans routinely fill the streets hanging outside of vehicles, parading on bikes, and even on horses.
“We encourage everyone celebrating to follow traffic laws, stay inside your vehicles, and follow directions from the officers who are there to keep everyone safe,” San Antonio Police said in a statement.
Ahead of the start of the finals on Wednesday, Spurs star Dylan Harper used a news conference to call on fans to behave responsibly.
“I love y’all. Be safe out there in San Antonio,” he said. “I understand y’all are excited, but you got to be safe out there.”
