16-Year-Old Dies in 75-Foot Fall During Crockett Sideshow

CROCKETT, Calif. – A 16-year-old boy, identified as Jose Cuevas of Harbor City, Los Angeles County, died early Saturday morning after accidentally falling 75 feet from an elevated overpass during an illegal sideshow near the Interstate 80 on- and off-ramps at Pomona Street. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to reports of extensive sideshow activity involving over 100 vehicles blocking the intersection of Pomona and Merchant Streets.

The fatal incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when Cuevas reportedly climbed over a concrete safety barrier on the Pomona Street on-ramp to westbound I-80. According to the California Highway Patrol, the teenager then accidentally fell approximately 75 feet to the ground below. The CHP Contra Costa office confirmed the tragic death, which occurred as officers were responding to the chaotic scene.

The sideshow involved numerous vehicles performing stunts and blocking traffic, a recurring issue that has drawn significant concern from local residents and business owners. Julia D’Alo, a local business owner, expressed the community's frustration, stating, "We woke up to just lots and lots of sirens and honking horns... and there was news in the morning that there was a sideshow." She highlighted the challenges posed by the lack of a local police department in addressing such events.

The victim's death has been deemed accidental by investigators, who were seen examining the area beneath the overpass. Stephen Nash, another local business owner and parent, reflected on the dangers, noting the tweet's poignant phrase, "Falling through a crack." He emphasized the concern for teenagers influenced by such unsupervised gatherings.

This tragedy has intensified calls for action against illegal sideshows, which residents describe as a persistent problem in Crockett. Community members and local officials are now urging for more effective measures to prevent these dangerous events and ensure public safety. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jose Cuevas's death remains ongoing.