The Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore reported that officers had been summoned to the Sixth Street Bridge at around 2 a.m. On arrival, they discovered a 17-year-old male who had plummeted from one of the bridge’s arches close to the 6th Street Viaduct. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Moore stated that the teenager had been attempting to broadcast on social media while climbing the arch but did not provide details regarding the social media platform. The identity of the teenager was not disclosed.
The Sixth Street Bridge has been the scene of numerous reckless incidents in the past, such as illegal street racing and takeovers. In January, a man was shot and killed on the bridge during an illegal filming of a music video.
The bridge was opened in July 2022 after a $588 million investment and was planned to become a symbol of the city. Moore stated that the bridge had been the source of pride for Los Angeles but also the background to tragic events such as this one. He added that the police department would continue with intensified patrols in the area to counter such irresponsible behavior.
Law enforcement officials have warned parents to check their child’s activity on social media. In some cases, children have died while trying to complete social media “challenges” they had seen on popular platforms.