A 17-year-old San Antonio Spurs fan remains in critical condition after suffering catastrophic head injuries while celebrating the team’s NBA Western Conference Finals run, according to local reports.
The incident occurred Thursday night following San Antonio’s Game 6 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, a win that forced a decisive Game 7 in the series. Family members told local media that the teenager fell from a moving vehicle during postgame celebrations and struck his head on a curb.
The unidentified teen was initially transported to an emergency room before being transferred to another hospital because of the severity of his injuries. Per reports, he suffered significant brain swelling and was later placed on life support.
“The doctors have been running tests to see if he has any further brain activity,” family member Yvonne Hudson told Fox San Antonio.
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According to the San Antonio Express-News, a police source indicated the teenager was brain dead and was not expected to survive. Authorities have not publicly released further details regarding his condition.
SAPD’s statement on the Spurs’ celebration incident
The exact circumstances surrounding the fall remain under investigation. Police have not disclosed additional information about the vehicle involved in the incident.
In a statement, the San Antonio Police Department expressed condolences to those affected.
“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.
Police also used the incident to highlight safety concerns that can arise during large public celebrations.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” the statement from Police reads. “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.”
San Antonio Spurs made it to the NBA finals
The tragedy unfolded during a period of excitement across San Antonio as the Spurs pursued their first NBA Finals appearance since 2014.
Two days after the accident, San Antonio completed its comeback against Oklahoma City, defeating the Thunder 111-103 in Game 7 to win the Western Conference Finals.
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The Spurs will now face the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals, but the celebration surrounding the franchise’s success has been overshadowed by the serious incident involving one of its young supporters.