A 19-year-old young man drowned in a lake outside SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, during a sold-out dance music concert on Friday, February 2, 2024.
This incident marks the second drowning death at the artificial lake since the stadium, home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, opened in 2020.
According to the Inglewood Police Department, security personnel observed the man entering the lake around 9:30 p.m.
Despite efforts to swim, he submerged and did not resurface. A comprehensive search and rescue operation involving divers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and county fire lifeguards was promptly initiated.
Helicopter and drone support were also deployed to assist in the search. The man’s body was recovered from the 15-foot-deep lake just before 11 p.m. Attempts were made to resuscitate the victim, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the man has not been publicly released, pending notification of his relatives.
Initial reports suggest the man was attending a concert by the electronic musician Illenium, although it remains unclear if he was a ticket holder for the event.
The Inglewood Police Department is conducting an inquiry into what they consider to be an unintentional drowning.
SoFi Stadium officials have issued a statement of sympathy, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of an individual last night. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased. They are in our thoughts during this challenging period.”
The lake, known as Rivers Lake, is a man-made body of water designed to harvest rainwater for stadium irrigation. It features multiple waterfalls and holds approximately 11 million gallons of water.
This is the second drowning occurrence at Rivers Lake. The first incident took place in July 2022, when a 45-year-old man died after climbing over a fence from the parking lot and entering the water.
Authorities have not released further details about the ongoing investigation. The incident raises questions about safety measures and protocols surrounding the stadium’s adjacent lake, especially during large events and gatherings.
SoFi Stadium, which opened in September 2020, is a prominent entertainment venue in the Los Angeles area, hosting a variety of events, including NFL games, concerts, and other major gatherings.
