Home
news

Tragic Incident: Teenager Loses Life While Climbing Los Angeles Bridge for Social Media

a 17-year-old boy tragically lost his life over the weekend while attempting to climb a bridge in Los Angeles for the sake of social media fame
Illustration of death.
Illustration of death.

In a devastating turn of events, a 17-year-old boy tragically lost his life over the weekend while attempting to climb a bridge in Los Angeles for the sake of social media fame, according to the local police. Authorities were dispatched to the 6th Street Viaduct around 2 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, where they discovered the lifeless body of the young boy, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital. At this time, the victim's identity has not been released.


As reported by the Associated Press, the teenager slipped and fell while attempting to climb one of the arches of the newly constructed Los Angeles bridge for the purpose of creating a social media post. Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore, speaking at a meeting of the Los Angeles Police Commission on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, stated, "The bridge, which opened last July at a cost of $588 million, serves as a social media broadcasting platform." The 84-year-old Art Deco bridge was replaced by this new structure, spanning 3,500 feet (1,066.80 meters) above the Los Angeles River, connecting downtown to the historic Eastside. Adorned with thousands of LED lights and offering stunning views of the LA skyline, this bridge is the largest and most expensive ever built in the city. Unfortunately, what was intended to be a landmark has become a scene of tragedy.


The bridge has faced numerous issues since its opening, leading to intermittent closures by the police. It quickly became a hot spot for illegal street racing, graffiti, and other unlawful activities, attracting hundreds of spectators eager to witness reckless driving stunts. The influence of social media was also unstoppable. In one incident, a man sat on a barber chair in the middle of the road to get a haircut.


Furthermore, in January, a man was fatally shot on the bridge during the filming of an unauthorized music video.


"It's tragic that despite this location being a source of pride for Los Angeles, it has also become a backdrop for such tragedies," Moore expressed to the Police Commission.


He added, "Our additional patrols will continue at the location to combat such reckless behavior."


This incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers and risks that can arise from the pursuit of online attention and viral content. It is essential for individuals, especially young people, to prioritize their safety and well-being over the desire for social media recognition. Let us hope that this tragic loss prompts a greater awareness of the consequences associated with reckless actions performed solely for the sake of virtual popularity.

The best of humanity is the one who is most beneficial to others. When someone has passed away, their deeds are severed except for three things: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for their parents.