Reports indicate that a 16-year-old from Los Angeles fell approximately 75 feet to his death after witnessing a sideshow and illegal street takeover early Saturday morning.
Jose Quebus was among the crowd of over 100 cars doing stunts, which included donuts and burnouts. In California, such gatherings attract many, featuring informal demonstrations and spectators.
The event occurred near Interstate 80 in the San Francisco Bay Area around 3 a.m.
It seems that Jose got closer around 3:30 a.m., pushing the concrete barrier at the highway by the Khakiness Bridge, which stands about 148 feet tall.
His tragic fall was only uncovered after authorities responded to separate illegal sideshow reports. He was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to various sources.
Lila Nogra, a friend’s mother, expressed her sorrow, describing Jose as a teenager with a “good heart” just trying to enjoy life.
Nogra remembered him as “a very nice kid” who had a great sense of humor, was always happy, adventurous, and respectful.
She mentioned that her son, deeply affected by the loss, is struggling to cope since he lost a close friend.
In early August, officials from Jose’s hometown of Los Angeles pushed for stricter penalties for participants and onlookers of such sideshows.
Previously, in April, Los Angeles County had increased fines for illegal street takeovers to $1,000 within a 90-day period in jail. Onlookers face similar penalties, albeit with somewhat lesser fines.
LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman proposed raising fines to $2,500 for second-time offenders and $5,000 for third violations.
This past summer in Oakland, only 22 miles from where Jose witnessed the sideshow, a mob of masked thrill-seekers caused chaos in the area.
The modern sideshow has evolved drastically since its origins in the 1980s, shifting from car enthusiasts displaying prized vehicles to larger, more dangerous gatherings.
