A young San Antonio Spurs fan reportedly suffered a catastrophic injury while celebrating the team’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday night.
A 17-year-old boy was hospitalized on Thursday night after he fell from a vehicle and hit his head during a celebration after the Spurs beat the Thunder 118-91 to extend the Western Conference Finals to a seventh game. Police in San Antonio said Friday that the boy was taken to the emergency room and in critical condition.
Unfortunately, the fan is not expected to survive. The San Antonio Express-News reported on Saturday that the 17-year-old suffered severe head injuries and was declared brain dead.
San Antonio Police addressed the incident
Police in San Antonio said Saturday that the circumstances surrounding the boy’s fall remain under investigation. The department issued a statement urging fans to celebrate safely.
“The San Antonio Police Department extends our sympathy to the family, friends and loved ones affected by this tragic and preventable incident,” the statement read. “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 Spurs advanced to the NBA Finals with a 111-103 road win over the Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night.