Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News via Getty Images
A 17-year-old San Antonio Spurs fan has been declared brain dead following an accident that occurred while celebrating the team’s Western Conference Finals victory in Game 6. A few nights later, the Spurs advanced to the Finals on Saturday, May 30 with a Game 7 victory over the defending champion Thunder in Oklahoma City.
According to reports, Jose “Joey” Rodriguez — a student at Frank Tejeda Academy who was set to graduate next year — was riding in a car on SW Military Drive in San Antonio on May 28, following the Spurs’ Game 6 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, when the incident occurred.
17-year-old San Antonio Spurs fan Jose Rodriguez “not expected to survive” after suffering traumatic brain injury while celebrating Game 6 victory
Rodriguez was sitting on the open passenger window of the moving vehicle when it struck a curb, causing him to fall out of the car and onto the ground. Friends rushed Rodriguez to a nearby clinic, where he had no pulse for eight minutes before being revived by medical professionals. Rodriguez was then transferred to a local trauma center due to the severity of his injuries, where family members were told he’s not expected to survive.
“The incident happened in the 300 block of West Dickson Avenue, just north of Southwest Military Drive, according to the preliminary police report. San Antonio police had diverted traffic from Southwest Military Drive to side streets to help keep vehicles moving through the crowded celebration area. He suffered a severe head injury, according to a preliminary police report and his aunt, Yvonne Hudson. She said family members were told Rodriguez was brain-dead and not expected to survive,” via the San Antonio Express News.
“Hudson said that when her nephew initially asked his parents for permission to celebrate the Spurs’ win, they said no because of the ‘nonsense’ happening there. But Rodriguez told them that a parent would go with them, and they agreed. Rodriguez instead went only with friends.”
“He left blood all over the street,” Hudson said.
Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, whom they drafted out of Rutgers University with the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, seemed to reference Rodriguez’s tragic injury in his Game 7 postgame comments.
“I love y’all. Be safe out there in San Antonio,” Harper said. “We are not done yet. I understand y’all are excited but you got to be safe out there. We love y’all. We shout y’all all the time. Y’all travel for us, y’all do everything. But please be safe tonight. We still have a lot more basketball to play, so be safe.”
“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,” the San Antonio Police Department said in a statement.
A GoFundMe for Rodriguez family has been established. At the time of this writing, it’s raised over $2,800 of its $4,000 goal.
“Joey is a 17-year-old young man with a kind heart who has always been there for others. Known for his positive attitude, willingness to help anyone in need, Joey has touched the lives of so many people. Tragically, he was recently involved in a severe car accident that left him with a couple of injuries,” the GoFundMe states.
“As he begins the long road to recovery, his family is facing. We are asking for your support during this difficult time. Any donation, no matter the amount, will help allow Joey and his family to focus on what matters most-his healing and recovery. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Joey in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.”
With their win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs — who have won 5 NBA championships since 1999 — have advanced to the franchise’s first NBA Finals since 2014. Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Spurs and Eastern Conference-winning New York Knicks will tip off from San Antonio on Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30 p.m. EST.
The Spurs enter the series as favorites to win the championship, generally listed around -200 to -210, and are 4.5-point home favorites in Game 1 on Wednesday.