A 17-year-old boy tragically died early Saturday, May 20, after falling from the 6th Street Viaduct in Los Angeles, reportedly during a dangerous social media stunt.
The deceased teenager’s body was discovered on the Viaduct’s east side, a location growing infamous for hazardous activities fueled by online dare culture.
The identity of the deceased has been withheld by authorities. During a meeting of the Los Angeles Police Commission on Tuesday, May 23, Police Chief Michel Moore shared details about the accident. The teen was said to have slipped and fallen while trying to scale one of the Viaduct’s arches, likely intending to document the act for social media.
Opened in 2022, the $588 million 6th Street Viaduct rapidly emerged as a popular city landmark. It replaced a historic 84-year-old Art Deco bridge, and spans 3,500 feet over the Los Angeles River, connecting downtown and the historical Eastside. The structure, accentuated by thousands of LED lights, provides panoramic city skyline views, making it the city’s most significant and costly project of its kind.
Despite its appeal, the bridge has recently experienced numerous issues. Authorities have periodically shut down access points due to problems involving street racing, graffiti, and illegal congregations. Since it was opened ten months ago, there have been three fatalities on or near the bridge.