Authorities have identified the 16-year-old boy who died after falling from a highway overpass while watching a sideshow early Saturday morning. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victim as Jose Cuevas, a resident of Harbor City, California.
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. near the Interstate 80 on- and off-ramps by the Carquinez Bridge. According to the California Highway Patrol, Cuevas had climbed over a concrete barrier to get a better view of the sideshow taking place on the overpass when he accidentally fell approximately 75 feet. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators examined the area beneath the overpass as part of their ongoing investigation. Drone footage shared with local media showed more than 100 vehicles blocking intersections while drivers performed stunts, including donuts, as large crowds of spectators cheered.
Residents say sideshows have become a recurring issue in Crockett, a small community of about 3,500 people without its own police department. Business owners and parents alike expressed concern about the dangers of such gatherings, particularly for young people drawn into high-risk situations.
Cuevas’ death comes months after a deadly shooting at an Oakland sideshow, underscoring the dangers these events pose for both participants and onlookers.
Authorities continue to investigate the fatal incident while the Crockett community mourns the tragic loss of a young life.
