Jose Cuevas Obituary, Death; 16-year-old identified after fatal Crockett overpass fall at sideshow.
Jose Cuevas Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the 16-year-old boy who tragically died after falling from a highway overpass in Crockett while watching a sideshow on Saturday. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Monday that the victim was Jose Cuevas, a resident of Harbor City, California, a town of roughly 40,000 people near Los Angeles, about a six-hour drive from Crockett. No additional personal details about Cuevas have been released.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. Saturday near the Interstate 80 on- and off-ramps by the Carquinez Bridge. Cuevas reportedly climbed over a concrete barrier to gain a better view of the sideshow taking place on the overpass and accidentally fell approximately 75 feet to the ground below. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators were later observed examining the area beneath the overpass, seeking to understand the circumstances that led to the fall.
The sideshow, which drew a significant crowd, caused chaos that spilled onto the freeway ramps. The eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate are divided by only a narrow gap, creating additional hazards for both participants and spectators. Drone footage captured during the event, which was shared with local media outlets, showed over 100 vehicles blocking a large intersection while drivers performed stunts such as spinning donuts. Spectators cheered, illustrating the risky and lawless nature of the gathering.
While deaths at sideshows are uncommon, previous incidents have highlighted the potential dangers. In January, a sideshow in Oakland resulted in gunfire that killed one man and injured two others, underscoring the serious risks associated with these gatherings. Local residents in Crockett noted that sideshows have become a recurring problem in the small town, which has a population of roughly 3,500 and lacks a local police department. Julia D’Alo, a resident and business owner, expressed concern over the recurring nature of such events and the challenges of maintaining safety without a dedicated law enforcement presence.
The fatality has also had a profound impact on parents in the community. Stephen Nash, a local business owner and parent, said the tragedy resonated deeply with him, particularly because he has two children of his own. Nash emphasized the danger teenagers face when influenced by peers in high-risk environments, noting that situations like standing on a bridge or near dangerous gaps can have fatal consequences. “You think, if they’re out hanging with their friends… they could be influenced. Especially when you’re talking about being on a bridge… falling through a crack,” he said, highlighting the need for vigilance and awareness among parents and community members.
In summary, 16-year-old Jose Cuevas of Harbor City died after falling 75 feet from a highway overpass in Crockett during a sideshow. The incident occurred early Saturday morning near the Interstate 80 ramps by the Carquinez Bridge, where crowds of spectators and vehicles created dangerous conditions. Authorities continue to investigate, while residents and parents in the town reflect on the risks posed by such gatherings and the need for greater safety measures.
